HISTOBY OF FBEEMASONRY IN ILLINOIS 1804-1829 ORGANIZATION AND PROCEEDINGS OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL COMMU- NICATIONS OF "THE GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS OF AN...
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HISTOBY OF FBEEMASONRY IN ILLINOIS 1804-1829
ORGANIZATION AND PROCEEDINGS OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL COMMU-
"THE GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS OF ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS," 1822-1828
NICATIONS OF
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF THE PREMIER GRAND MASTER, SHADRACH BOND. THE FIRST GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF KASKASKIA ORGANIZATION AND MINUTES OF THE FIRST LODGE,
WESTERN STAR LODGE, No.
"THE
107," 1804^1829
BY
GENERAL JOHN CORSON SMITH PAST GRAND MASTER
HISTORICALLY ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO: ROGERS & SMITH 1903
CO.
Copyright 1903
by JOHN COKSON SMITH Chicago,
111.,
U. S. A.
BY PERMISSION THIS VOLUME OP THE EARLY HISTORY OP FREEMASONRY IN
THE PRAIRIE STATE
is
FRATERNALLY DEDICATED TO
BROTHER GEORGE MAYHEW MOULTON, M. W. GRAND MASTER,
THE
R.
W. OFFICERS AND BRETHREN OP THE
GRAND LODGE
OF ANCIENT FREE
MASONS OF THE STATE OF
AND ACCEPTED
ILLINOIS.
"
THE BRETHREN WHOM THE AUTHOR MASONICALLY LOVES.
350287
OEO
M.
r ...... B ..v...
f
HICAOO Jan., J6,
^"""
Bro.John Corson Smith, Past M.W. Grand Master, Chicago, III.
My Dear Brother:It gives me pleasure to know that you
sore
to reproduce the records of the first Grand Lodge A.P.&.A.M.
established in Illinois, and thus preserve this interesting
portion of the History of Ancient Craft Masonry in thia State.
Your idea of binding the volume identical in size with Proceedings of our M.W. Grand Lodge, is a happy thought.
Every thought-
ful Mason and lover of the craft should be supplied with a copy
of your publication, feeling certain that they will feel well
paid for its perusal, and gratified with Its possession for future reference.
Fraternally yoursj
Grand Master.
CONTENTS.
....
APPKOVAL OF GRAND MASTER CONCLUSION DEDICATORY FREEMASONRY GOVERNOR SHADRACH BOND, PREMIER GRAND MASTER GOVERNOR SHADRACH BOND'S FREEMASONRY GOVERNOR SHADRACH BOND'S FIRST MESSAGE TO THE LEGISLATURE GRAND LODGE ORGANIZATION, 1822 GRAND LODGE ANNUAL COMMUNICATION, 1824 GRAND LODGE CONSTITUTION AND BYE LAWS GRAND LODGE SPECIAL COMMUNICATION, JANU.
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PASB
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162 5
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ARY, 1826
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67 83
93
GRAND LODGE PROCEEDINGS, DECEMBER, 1826JANUARY, 1827 "ILLINOIS" CONVIVIAL SONG KASKASKIA KASKASKIA "GONE"
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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
LODGES, LIST OF
PUGET SOUND, TITLE PAGE THE WESTERN THE WESTERN THE WESTERN
WASHINGTON
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165
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3
STAR LODGE, No. 107 STAR LODGE, No. STAR LODGE, No.
1,
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BYE LAWS
11
40
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130
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143
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
"AWAITING THE END" As LAST SEEN OUR FIRST STATE HOUSE BOND MONUMENT, CHESTER DR. BENJAMIN N. BOND GOVERNOR SHADRACH BOND GALLAHER-HARSON HOUSE, KUINS OF 1882
37
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23 27 15
31 2
KASKASKIA, 1902
LODGE DISPENSATION LODGE WARRANT
139
41 .
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OUR FIRST STATE HOUSE, KASKASKIA OUR SECOND STATE HOUSE, VANDALIA SKETCH OF THE OLD STATE HOUSE, 1882 SKETCH OF THE OLD CHURCH, 1882 THE FIRST EXECUTIVE MANSION .
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PUGET SOUND, WASHINGTON. On
the upper waters of Puget Sound, in the northwest
corner of the State of Washington, are two enterprising little cities, known as the twin cities of Fairhaven and
Whatcom. So close are these two corporations that the same street frequently forms the boundary of each, and it is often difficult to tell when you pass out of one city into the other.
During a recent visit to my son Kobert, residing in Fairhaven, I was informed of the residence in Whatcom of the son of a former Governor of Illinois. Accompanied by Brother W. C. Willox of that city, I paid him a visit, and found to my surprise that the venerable gentleman was Benjamin N. Bond, the only living child of Shadrach Bond, the first Governor and the first Grand Master of Freemasons in the State of Illinois. The Doctor, for he is a regular practicing physician, and a soldier, having served in the Union army as surgeon of the 27th Regiment, Missouri Infantry Volunteers, in the War of 1861-5, gave me so much information of his father that
was new that I eagerly gathered the same, and now put in readable form for my brethren.
it
I learn much of interest relating to the of Illinois and of Governor Bond, but I early history found in the Doctor's possession a life-size portrait of his
Not only did
by that great American portrait painter, Gilbert Charles Stuart, who gave to the world the standard likeness of Brother General George Washington. The father, painted
canvas
is
badly damaged, but the portrait
is
well preserved,
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
12
and I had two photographs taken of it, the best one of which is herewith reproduced. The painting was executed in 1808, during a visit East of the Governor, then Captain
Shadrach Bond, and was always recognized by the family I think myself fortunate in havsecured a so ing good copy of this excellent portrait. Doctor Bond is also a Freemason, having received the degrees in Chester Lodge, No. 72, City of Chester, Illinois, and his sons are members of the Lodge in Whatcom. as a truthful likeness.
The students of the history of Bond was the first Governor
rach
know that Shadnew State, that he
Illinois
of the
was elected Governor in 1818, serving his full four years and until his successor was elected and inaugurated. That he was also the first Grand Master of Freemasons is known to but a few members of the craft, and so little is known of that early Grand Lodge, and its records are so rare that even the Masonic student may be excused when he pleads ignorance of its history. Few are the Freemasons, even; in Illinois, who know there was ever aaiy other Grand Lodge than the present one, and that the first Governor of the State was also the first Grand Master of Freemasons in this great commonwealth. After extended research in the archives of other Grand Lodges, I have found copies of the only proceedings ever written or published by Grand Lodge, which are here
reproduced in pages of each. also appears;
with electro fac-similes of the title brief biography of Grand Master Bond the most interesting of the minutes the
full,
A and
Kashistory of "The Western Star Lodge, No. 107," of kaskia, the first Lodge instituted in the Illinois country, the charter for which came from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
GOVERNOR SHADRACH BOND. PREMIER GRAND MASTER. Governor Shadrach Bond came of a well-known Maryland family, owning large estates and many negro slaves. He was born in the City of Frederick, Maryland, April 9, 1775, and came to the Illinois country, then in the
Northwest Territory, in 1791, with Clark, the heroic
captured Kaskaskia, July year
Col.
George Rogers
commander who defeated the English and 4,
1778, as he did Vincennes one
later. first home was built near Murdoch now Monroe County, where he resided un-
Governor Bond's Lake, in what
is
removing to Kaskaskia in 1794, where he afterwards erected a brick dwelling with material brought in flatboats from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Although a young til
man when he came
to the Illinois country, Governor Bond took an active part in all public affairs, and though a farmer and devoted to the cultivation of his lands he
found time to hold many responsible offices. He was a member of the Indiana Territorial legislature, and the first delegate to Congress from the Territory of Illinois, resigning his seat in 1814 to accept appointment as Receiver of Public
Moneys
at Kaskaskia.
in Congress he introduced and passed the bill which was as follows
It
first
was while
preemption
:
"Pre-emption. A bill to give the right of to certain purchasers of lands in Illinois Territory.
Reported Monday, December 28, 1812, and ordered to 3rd reading."
ADOPTED FEBRUARY "Resolved,
1, 1813.
That such part of the laws 13
for the sale of
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
14
public lands as allow a credit on part of the purchase money be repealed; and that the price at which lands shall be offered in future shall be five cents
one dollar and twenty-
per acre.
"Resolved, That in future sales, a portion of the public lands be offered in tracts of eighty acres. "Resolved, That two years be given in addition to the time allowed by law to the purchasers of public lands,
whose time of payment shall have or may expire on or before the first day of January, 1814, on condition that all the interest that has accrued or may accrue on or before the 18th day of March next, shall be paid at that day, and the interest that may become due thereafter shall be paid at the day on which the time, according to existing laws, shall expire for making payments." He was also for many years a Captain in the military forces, serving against the
Indians and in the
War
of 1812.
Elected Governor in 1818 without opposition, he served his four years, and for many years thereafter he was the at
United
States
Kaskaskia.
In
Register
of
person soldierly,
the
Land
complexion
Office
dark,
and eyes hazel. In middle age he weighed Of jovial disposition, thoroughly honest, 200. pounds. unostentatious and popular with all the people, as hair black
attested
the
new
in
his
State.
to the Governorship of not a Though college graduate he had
election
received, for those days, a good English education. of his successors (Governor Thomas Ford) wrote of
One him
as follows:
"Governor Bond was a substantial farmer-like man, of strong, plain, common sense, with but little pretentious to He was a well-made, learning or general information.
GOVERNOR SHADRACH BOND, OUR PREMIER GRAND MASTER.
1808,
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829. well-set, sturdy
gentleman, and what
is
17 remarkable at this
day, his first message to the legislature contains a strong recommendation in favor of the Illinois and Michigan
Canal/'
The following is the message referred to, which we think worthy of reproduction. That part referring to the Canal we put in italics to emphasize the broad and far-seeing vision of Gov. Bond, whose message of 1818 is bearing
We
fruit in the drainage and ship canal of 1903. only regret that the Governor's Address as Grand Master cannot be found so as to be placed side by side with this state paper. In reading the conclusion of the message the freemason cannot fail to note how like to a Masonic charge
and readily fancy the Governor addressing
his
own Grand
Lodge.
We
from the Journal of the "FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE or ILLINOIS, begun and held in the Town of Kaskaskia, on Monday, the fifth day of October, A. D. 1818. quote
**********
Tuesday, October 6, 1818. The Senate in pursuance to the request of the House of Eepresentatives to attend in the Representative Hall, at 12
which time and place the Govappeared and took the oath to support the Constitution of the United States and of this State, and the oath of office. The Governor then read the following message:
o'clock to-day ; attended, at
ernor and Lieutenant Governor
Fellow Citizens of the Senate,
And of the House of Representatives. Intrusted by the people with the executive power of
HISTOET OF FREEMASONRY.
18
the State, I enter upon the duties assigned me deeply impressed with the sense of the many obligations I am under for this evidence of the public confidence.
Whilst ani-
mated and encouraged with the idea that
my past conduct has been such as in the opinion of my fellow citizens to merit the office to which I have been elected, I feel op-
pressed
much
so
and
embarrassed
has
been
however, Associated, in the discharge of
with
confided
with the
to
the
the
such
reflection,
feeble
General
that
hands.
Assembly,
most
important duties, I information and support
confidently rely upon the The people of to be derived from your cooperation. the State have formed a Constitution, by which they have secured to themselves the blessings of liberty and of free
government.
ment
If the principles which adorn that instruand kept alive, the future fortune of
are cherished
the State cannot fail to be prosperous and happy. To the preservation of principles so sacred the influence of your example and the skilful exercise of the powers with which
you are vested will greatly contribute. If the minds of any of us have heretofore been infected with a spirit of division which had not its foundation in a difference of principle, the conduct of any has been hitherto influenced by unmerited partiality or unjust resentment, let it be remembered that the period has now arrived when the public if
good and public justice imperiously require the extinguishment of that spirit, and the pursuance of a course of conduct that will do justice and do good.
Having made
these observations, I proceed to give you such information of the state of the government as is in possession, and respectfully to recommend to your consideration the adoption of some of these measures, which appear to me to be the most advisable.
my
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
The Treasury
will be
found to be in a
19 state of present
embarrassment, when the are laid before you ;
impaired;
reports of the proper officers the credit of the State is consequently
it is believed,
however, with a proper arrange-
of the grants and donations which have been made the Congress of the United States, that in changing
ment by
the system of taxation, which must necessarily be done, the burden of taxes upon individuals need not be increased.
due to the claimants and the public interest reclaims now due and unpaid at the Treasury that quires should be speedily satisfied; for this purpose I recommend It is
the propriety of authorizing by law the borrowing on the credit of the State an amount of money sufficient to
answer those demands, at such a rate of interest, and upon such conditions as the Legislature shall prescribe.
The code
and enacted under the terria thorough revision; some of government require those laws will be found illy adopted to our change of condition, whilst others will doubtless be expunged as useAnd upon this subject permit me to less and inapplicable. that in cases remark the punishment for crimes is many severe. This unnecessarily degree of severity has no in doubt been occasioned some measure by the want of I therefore recjails and suitable places of confinement. ommend the passage of a law making it obligatory upon of laws adopted
torial
the several counties to build strong, substantial prisons. If the prospect in our finances will justify the measure,
the erection of a state prison, to confine the more heinous offenders, wherein the convict will be punished by confinement, at the same time work out the expenses thereof, will serve the purposes of punishment, and at no distant
period produce a revenue to the State.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
20
The subject of education, the means for which have been so amply provided by the bounty of the general government, cannot fail to engross your serious attention. It
would be well to provide for the appointment or
elec-
tion of trustees in each township sufficiently populated, and empower them to lease, for limited periods, the sec-
tion reserved and granted for the use of schools within the same, requiring them to appropriate the rents arising therefrom to such use and in the manner to be prescribed
by law.
The townships
of land which have been granted
to the State for the use of a seminary of learning, cannot, it is believed, be so disposed of at present as to authorize
the passage of a law to commence the undertaking; but at least a part of them may be leased, and the rents aris-
may be laid up or vested in some productive fund, as a sacred deposit, to be hereafter appropriated to the object for which the grants were made ; such a course ing therefrom
will render these lands productive, and when the period shall arrive at which it may be advisable to sell them,
they will be extensively improved and of great value. Those donations, together with the three per cent upon the net proceeds arising from the sale of public lands
within the State, which has been appropriated for similar purposes, with proper arrangement will create a fund sufficiently large to educate the children of the State to the
It is our imperious duty, for remotest period of time. the faithful performance of which we are answerable to God and our country, to watch over this interesting subject.
No employment
can be more engaging than that of
husbanding those resources which will spread through all classes of our fellow citizens the means of wisdom and of knowledge, which in the freedom of our institutions will make the child of the poorest parent a useful member of
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829. society,
21
and an ornament to his country.
enlightening the
mind
will lead to
new
And which by
discoveries in the
and to new improvements in the pursuit of agriculture, commerce and manufactures. Some provisions by law authorizing the leasing of the Salt Springs, and the lands granted for the use of the same, will be necessary, and I have no doubt that an assignment of the contract of the lease which was entered into by the present lessees of the Ohio Saline and the Government of the United States, would be readily made to arts,
the State
A
valuable saline has been application. Shoal Creek, in the county of Bond, and but
upon
discovered on
a single section of land has been reserved for its use. If a larger grant of wood land contiguous thereto could be procured it would be found highly advantageous. Possessed of a country not surpassed for the fertility of intersected and almost surrounded by lakes and
its soil,
rivers convenient for navigation, it is much to be regretted that the means requisite for the commencement of any internal improvement of consequence are not in our
possession.
which in
is to
making
The money which has been appropriated, and be disbursed under the direction of Congress, roads leading to the State would go far to im-
prove the navigation of our water courses; in a few years it is believed that fund will accumulate to an amount sufficient to defray the expenses of cutting a canal to connect the waters of Lake Michigan and the Illinois river.
The advantages to require
resulting
comment.
from such a work are
By means
too obvious
thereof, together with, the
canal connecting the waters of Lake Erie and Hudson which is already in a state of great forwardness, a water communication from our very doors will be opened river,
to the Atlantic
by way of the Lakes.
I therefore recom-
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
22
mend an early application to the Congress of the United States, to procure such a change in the disposition of that land as to make it applicable to the furtherance of so Such a measure is desirable in a a commercial point of view. The bond of union between the eastern and western states will be desirable a purpose.
political as well as
strengthened by constant intercourse and common interest. Your duties at the present session will be various and extensive, among which the jurisdiction to be assigned to the courts established by the Constitution, and the system of practice to be pursued therein. The organization of the militia, and the appointment of public officers of the State,
and the
definition of their respective powers
duties are all important. Before I conclude permit
me
to congratulate you,
and and
through you, my fellow citizens at large, upon the happy change in our form of government. May your conduct be characterized by that wisdom, prudence and unanimity which will preserve our liberties inviolate, and raise the character of our beautiful State. And may that Almighty Being from whose goodness and bounty all the blessings we enjoy have emanated be present in your councils, and bless the measures of your adoption.
Nowhere can character
better evidence be
of Governor
Eice Jones in 1808.
Bond
than
found of the manly in
his
duel
with
Political enmities ran high in those
days in Illinois, and the people were divided on the ques-
new territory. For some was then the custom, Bond The meet was on an challenged and Jones accepted.
tion of the formation of the serious personal offense, as
STATE MONUMENT TO GOVERNOR SHADRACH BOND, EVERGREEN CEMETERY, CHESTER,
ILLINOIS.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
25
island in the Mississippi Kiver near Kaskaskia, and when in position, but before the command "fire" was given, the Dr. James Dunlap, pistol of Mr. Jones was discharged.
the Governor's second, claimed that it was then Bond's shot, but the Governor believing the discharge accidental refused to fire, and there the matter ended as to Bond and Jones.
But not
so with
Mr. Dunlap, between
whom and
Eice Jones there arose a bitter quarrel, resulting in Dunlap killing Jones on the streets of Kaskaskia at a later
Popular as was Governor Bond with all classes, I day. have often wondered that he received no other political recognition than a land office after his four years successful administration of the affairs of the new State. That his statesmanship was broad and constructive is evidenced in his having secured for the early settlers in the Terri-
tory the passage of the first pre-emption law while a delegate in Congress in 1813, and his recommendation for the construction of the Illinois and Michigan Canal in his first
message, in 1818, to the
legislature
as Governor.
He
seems, however, to have committed an unpardonable sin and put himself out of touch with the statesmen of that
who were largely pro-slavery, in having freed the six hundred slaves left him in Maryland by his father. Governor Bond married a Miss Achsah Bond, of Baltimore, Maryland, November 27, 1810. She was a distant relative and of the Fell family of that city. The marriage was solemnized at Nashville, Tennessee, where Miss Bond was visiting. As the father of each was dead and the estates were being settled, it was thought best to close them before marriage, as they would then be uninfluenced by mutual interests. The assets of each estate showed large numbers of slaves. Miss Bond sold her slaves, while the Governor then Captain manumited his six hundred, and gave bond that they day,
26
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
would be self-sustaining and "good niggers," as the laws of Maryland required. When I asked the doctor if this was done before marriage, he smiling said: "Oh, yes! Father had to free his slaves before he married, as mother would not have let him do so, but would have sold them, same as she did her own." Governor Shadrach Bond died in Kaskaskia, Illinois, This is two years later than the April 13, 1832. it. But it is the Bible record which I biographies give have seen. His wife, Achsah Bond, was born October 13, 1786, in the City of Hagerstown, Maryland, and died at Kaskaskia, Illinois, February 29, 1844. They were each buried in the family cemetery on their farm at Kaskaskia, and there rested until the waters of the Mississippi began to cut across and wash away the lands upon which stood the first capital of our State and thence into the Kaskaskia Eiver. The remains of the Governor and his wife were then taken up, removed to Evergreen Cemetery, Chester Illinois, some ten miles distant, and there now repose beneath a granite
monument
erected to their
memory by
the
State of Illinois.
Seven children blessed this union two of whom died in youth, and the others: Julia Kachel married Francis
Swanwick, of Chester, where she died of cholera, June 25, 1849, leaving three children; Mary Achsah married Joseph B. Holmes, of Chester, and died in that city, July 19, 1878, leaving five sons and two daughters; Thomas Shadrach, unmarried, died in Chester, June 29, 1849; Isabella Fell married James P. Craig, of Chester, and died in that
January 13, 1860, leaving five children; Benjamin Nicodemus, now the only living child of the Governor, resides in Whatcom, Washington, was born September 17, 1826, married Miss Mary Esther Jones, of Chester, June
city,
18, 1846,
and they have
five
children living.
DOCTOR BRO. BENJAMIN NiCODEMUS BOND, SON OF GOVERNOR SHADRACH BOND.
KASKASKIA. The
history of Kaskaskia is unique and a marvel in Away back in the aboriginal ages it a village of the Illinois Indian Confederacy of five
America's annals.
was
the Kaskaskias, Cahokias, Tamaroas, Peorias and
tribes
Mitchigammies. The first white man known to have visited this village, 1686, was a Lieut. M. Tonti, an Italian, and devoted friend
La Salle, the great explorer. soon after established in this
of
French made
it
A
missionary station was
Indian
one of their trading
posts.
and the In 1690 Father
village,
Gravier took charge of the mission and christened it "The Village of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy VirThat chapel has been gin," and a chapel was erected. succeeded by others, but
many relics
of the early part of the The old bell,
eighteenth century have been preserved.
which was brought from France two hundred years ago, and from which rang out the first call for Christian worship in the Mississippi Valley, does that duty, or did until few worshipers left. A Jesuit register of
recently, for the
1695 is said to be preserved the church record from 1721
From 1712
among the church is known to be.
papers, as
began to grow and became an with a garrison for the defense of important trading post the mission and a fort (Fort Gage) on the bluffs for the this mission
protection of the village. It was the surrender of this fort and garrison, under the command of French officers in the British
army
Army,
to Col. George Rogers Clark
and his
little
of 153 brave men, on the night of July 4, 1778, 29
30
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
which closed the
War
of the Revolution in the great North-
west.
After the settled
War
of the Eevolution
many Eastern
families
in
Kaskaskia, which, during the eighteenth and the first decades of the nineteenth centuries, was the great trading post of the Middle Mississippi country, and of these families came the statesmen to whom Illinois is
indebted for the broad lines upon which its laws have been founded. When, in 1809, the Illinois Territory was formed, Kaskaskia became the capital and so remained for Territory and State until 1822, when Vandalia became the seat of government. In 1825 General La Fayette vis-
and was entertained at the then palatial residences Edgar and William Morrison, the latter the father of our present Col. William Morrison, of Waterloo, Monroe County. Kaskaskia had then a population of ten thousand, with a newspaper office established in 1809, and a Masonic Lodge, "The Western Star Lodge, No. 107," Pennsylvania Eegister, instituted December 14, 1805. In 1833 the foundation of a Convent for the "Sisters of the Visitation" was laid, but not completed until 1836. James A. Gallaher, the father of Mrs. General J. C. Smith, and his brother-in-law, Mr. Harson, were the contractors. Mr. Gallaher, like Governor Bond, was born in Frederick, Maryland, and Mr. Harson in Baltimore, from which city they came to enclose and finish the inited
of General
terior of the convent.
The convent building was of and best in the West when
est
and one of the
larg-
finished in 1836, the
main
brick,
building being one hundred and ten feet long, thirty- two feet wide and four stories high, with a wing one hundred and fifty feet long and two stories in height, costing
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829,
RUINS OF GALLAHER-HARSON RESIDENCE, PECAN AVBKUE.
31
1882.
32
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
$30,000 and upward.
Under the charge
of the Sisters of
the Visitation a flourishing school wasi held until 1844, when the buildings were seriously damaged by the great rise in the river of that year, the most destructive of any
known in the Mississippi Valley. So serious was the flood that the Sisters and their pupils had to be taken
before
out of the second story windows on a steamboat sent to their rescue and the buildings were abandoned.
The
business of Kaskaskia and
its
commerce were
de-
stroyed by these floods, never more to be restored, for again, in 1851 and 1857, the waters devastated all the bot-
tom lands and ruined the growing crops. Other cities growing up in the Valley of the Mississippi and State of Illinois, Kaskaskia passed the zenith of its It was no longer the city glory and decay was visible. which La Fayette wished it to become, when, as its guest, April 30, 1825, he proposed the following toast: "Kaskaskia and Illinois May their joint prosperity more and more evince the blessings of congenial industry and freedom," and Governor Bond responded with the following, which was drunk standing: "General La Fayette: May he live to see that liberty established in his native country which he helped to estab:
lish in his
A
adopted country."
local writer of that period,
having mentioned the dev-
astation caused by the great rise in the Mississippi, had this to say of the probable future of Kaskaskia, the first capital city of Illinois, and the important trading post of the Mississippi Valley for nearly two centuries :
impress deeply marked upon the once beautiful cottages of the village, and but for a few buildings that have been repaired and improved by the
"These floods have
left their
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
35
more enterprising citizens, it would seem that the work of decay and ruin had commenced but it may be a century ;
hence ere another flood shall come, in which time the place may fully recover from the shocks it has received.
"But whatever may be the
which destiny has fixed its former greatness, or whether it shall pass into ruins like Troy and Babylon it will ever claim an important place in the annals of this country. The past, at least, is secure. It can never pass into oblivion while the history of America remains. All that which imparts interest and fascination to historic recollections is found in its records and traditions. With an existence stretching back into the darkness of an unwhether
it shall rise
fate
again to eclipse
explored wilderness, its history blends the wild romance of Indian life with the thrilling adventures of the French pioneers; their life, exploits and gayeties, for nearly one hundred years ; the pious labors of the Jesuit missionaries among the untamed savages; the founding of the first
parish church in America; the military exploits of the English in 1755; the transfer of the country from France
England; the extraordinary campaign of Col. Clark; and the series of events by which the State government of Illinois was brought into existence." The flood came as other floods had come, and in less than a half century from the time the foregoing was writ-
to
ten the following editorial appeared in one of the Chicago newspapers, and January 1, 1902, by order of the Post-
master General, Kaskaskia was stricken from the postal map of the United States.
KASKASKIA GONE. "One hundred years before Illinois became a Territory and one hundred and eleven years before it became a State, there was a town at Kaskaskia.
Fifty years before
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
36
there was a white settlement at St. Louis or any military post at Pittsburg, and ninety-six years before the foundations were laid for Fort
Dearborn at Chicago, Kaskaskia was a thriving village. "As early as 1710 there were in the town three mills for grinding corn. As early as 1765 the town contained In 1771, five years before sixty-five families of whites. the Kevolutionary War, it contained eighty houses, and had a population of 500 whites and 500 negroes. In 1809 it was made the capital of Illinois Territory. It was the capital of the State from 1818 until 1821, and was the seat of
Randolph County until 1847.
"The
first
brick house built west of Pittsburg was conFor over half a century Kaskaskia
structed in Kaskaskia,
was the metropolis of the upper Mississippi Valley, and was the focus of commerce in the Northwest Territory.
"On Thursday the last vestige of this historic settlement was swept away by the Mississippi River. The work of destruction that began with the great flood of 1844 was completed, and the home of the early Illinois Governors the first State capital ceased to exist. Its destruction was complete. Not a stone was left to mark the place. "Chicago, that was built in a swamp, is the second city in America. New Orleans, located in what was believed an unsafe and unhealthy district, is the commercial meBut Kaskaskia, which was set tropolis of the Southwest. on a spot chosen from the boundless variety of the virgin West,
is
merely a memory." brief has been the history of the
Such in
first
impor-
tant trading post in the great Mississippi Valley, the capital city of Illinois, and the city in which the
Masonic altar was erected in our
State.
first
first
FREEMASONRY. The tion
information we find relative to the organiza-
first
and
institution of a
Lodge of Freemasons in the
State of Illinois, then a part of the Territory of Indiana, is found in the proceedings of Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, from which we take the following extracts and copies of
papers
:
"St. John's Day, Philadelphia,, Monday, 25th June (St. John's Day having fallen on Sunday, 24th inst.), A. D.
1804.
"Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania.
Grand General Com-
munication.
"Present:
"Brother Israel Israel, Esquire, E.
W. Grand Master."
and then record of we reach the following: "A letter from Brother James Edgar, dated Kaskaskia, 7th May last, directed to James or Thomas Wilkins, was
Here follows names
of other officers
business transacted until
Brother Edgar thereby intimated a desire of obtaina ing Dispensation for holding a Lodge in Kaskaskia, until a society should be formed, when application might be
read.
made
for a warrant.
Ordered,
To
lie
over for considera-
tion until the next Quarterly Communication." At the next Quarterly Communication held in Philadelphia, as all
Communications of Grand Lodge are
October, A. D. 1804
held, 15th
:
from Brother James Edgar respecting a Lodge at Kaskaskia, read on St. John's Day last, and ordered to lie over for consideration, was again read and referred to the R. W. Grand Mas-
"The
letter
Dispensation for holding a
39
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
40
ter to take such measures thereon as he
may deem most
expedient."
From October 15, 1804, until June 2, 1806, we have no further information except as we find it in the Dispensation,
Warrant and Commission, which were subsequently
issued in response to the following petition
:
"PETITION FOE DISPENSATION FOE THE WESTEEN STAE LODGE, NO. 107." "To
the R.
"The
W. Grand Lodge
subscribers,
of Pennsylvania
GREETING
and many others of our brethren
:
in
the counties of St. Clair and Eandolph, beg leave to approach your worshipful body and state to you that they are far removed from those social enjoyments which they once as Masons have experienced; that from the growth
and respectable brethren have come to this country; and that your suppliants, from a sense of duty incumbent on them as Masons and as men, to promote their mutual happiness, the happiness of their neighbors, and as far as in their power lies, humanize society, and, furthermore, to impress on their memory what has long been written on of population settled,
many
worth}'
and many more
their hearts.
will soon
Wherefore, your suppliants thus presume to
approach your worshipful body and request that, if in your councils you think it expedient, your worshipful
body will grant to your suppliants a warrant, or
if
that
can't be obtained, a Dispensation, authorizing them to hold a regular Lodge in the town of Kaskaskia, appointing
such of your suppliants to preside therein as may seem proper to your worshipful body, sending with the said
warrant your constitution,
all
other necessary instructions,
T<1 V 4 W
A 11
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
43
and the amount of expenses attending the same, which be duly remitted by your suppliants, etc., etc. ROBERT MCMAHAN, Stanton No. 13.
will
JAMES EDGAR, Lodge No. 9, Philadelphia. JAMES GALBREATH, No. 79, Chambersburg. ROBERT ROBINSON, Stanton, No. 13.
WM. ARUNDEL,
St.
Andrew's Lodge, No.
2,
Quebec.
MICHAEL JONES, No. 45, Pittsburg. RUFUS EASTON, Roman Lodge, No. 82, New York. "Indiana Territory.
A
Kaskaskia, March
9,
1805."
by Grand Mas1805, and the first
fac-simile of the Dispensation issued
ter Israel, bearing date
September 24,
authority for a Lodge of Freemasons in the "Indiana Territory," now the State of Illinois, is herewith repro-
duced.
On
the back of this Dispensation
endorsement
we
find the following
:
"Return of the proceedings had by James Edgar, at Kaskaskia in the Illinois country, in virtue of the within dispensation December 14th, 1805, he took to his as-
Rufus Easton as Senior, Michael Jones, Junior Wardens; Robert Robinson, Senior, and Alexander Anderson, Junior Deacons, and Wm. Arundel, Secretary, whom he found on due trial Master Masons. After some business sistance
done the Lodge closed in harmony 27th December, 1805. Lodge opened, and) after some business done closed in har-
January 1st, 1806. Lodge opened. James Galbreath, on due trial, was found a Master Mason, and afterwards admitted when the By-Laws were adopted and
mony
signed by James Edgar, Michael Jones, James Galbreath,
Robert Arundel,
Robinson,
who
Alexander
Anderson
and
1
William
thereby became members of the said Lodge,
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
44
which an election was held, and Michael Jones was elected Senior, James Galbreath, Junior Wardens; Robert Robinson, Treasurer, and William Arundel, Secretary, and after some further business done the Lodge closed in har4th February, 1806. Lodge opened and after mony some business done closed in harmony February 17th, after
1806.
Lodge opened, when Doctor Walter Fenwick and
George Bullett, Esquires, of
St. Genevieve,
were duly
in-
and at subsequent nights passed to the degree of Fellow Crafts February 3d, 1806. Lodge opened, when Charles Query, of the State of Kentucky, was duly initiated, and at subsequent nights was duly passed and
itiated,
raised to the
sublime
18th February, 1806.
of a Master Mason Lodge opened, when John Hays
degree
and John. Hay, Esquires, of Cahokia, were duly inand at subsequent nights regularly passed and March raised to the sublime degree of Master Masons
itiated,
1st, 1806. Lodge opened, when Francis Valley, Esquire, and Louis Lasourse, of St. Genevieve; Stephen Foster and
George Fisher, Esquire, of Kaskaskia, were duly
initiated,
and at subsequent nights regularly passed and raised to 24th March, the sublime degree of Master Masons
Lodge opened, when Andrew Henry, Esquire, of St. Genevieve, was duly initiated; the authority under this dispensation ceasing on this night (24th), the Lodge thought 1806.
expedient to pass and raise Brother A. Henry to the sublime degree of Master Mason on the same night, which
it
was done accordingly. Test.
JAMES EDGAR.
WILLIAM ABUNDEL, Secretary. The building we here picture from a photograph
in
possession was erected in 1792 of brick brought in
my
flat-
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
47
boats from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. One of the bricks, which I brought from the building many years ago, measures 9 inches in length, 4 inches wide and 3 inches thick. It was the first brick building erected in the Mississippi Valley for public use as a town hall, the place of meet-
ing of the Territorial, afterwards the State Legislature, and then a court house, until the removal of the county seat to Chester in 1848.
Court of Illinois and in stituted
It it
was also used by the Supreme Western Star Lodge was in-
and frequently held
its
meetings.*
RECOED GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA. DISPENSATION RETURNED AND WARRANT AUTHORIZED. "The return to a Dispensation granted by the late R. W. Grand Master, on the 24th September last, directed to Brother James Edgar, authorizing him to open and hold a Lodge at Kaskaskia in the Indiana Territory of the United States for the term of six months from the date of said Dispensation, was read. Also a letter from Brother
Edgar, dated 14th April last, respecting their proceedings under said Dispensation. And also a petition from Brother Edgar and divers other brethren, who had been members of said Lodge held under the aforesaid Dispensation, praying for a warrant for holding a Lodge at Kaskaskia aforesaid, to be called The Western Star Lodge, and that Brother James Edgar might be named Master, Brother Michael Jones, Senior Warden, and Brother James Galbraith,
Junior Warden of the same, to which petition be-
*On our visits to Kaskaskia, in the '80s, the Old State House was used as a grocery and dry goods store on first floor and a residence on the second.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
48
ing duly recommended according to the regulations of this
Grand Lodge.
"On motion made and
seconded
:
"Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners be granted, and that Brother Grand Secretary make out a warrant accordinerly, and the same be numbered 107." Accompanying the warrant was a commission to Brother
Robert Robinson, a Past Master, duly authorizing him to constitute the
following
is
Lodge and
a copy
install its officers, of
which the
:
"We, James Milnor, Esquire, Right Worshipful Grand Master of Masons, in and for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Masonic jurisdiction thereunto belonging.
"To Brother Robert GREETING
Robinson,,
a Past Master Mason
:
"Reposing the greatest confidence in your zeal, fervor and constancy in the craft, we do, by virtue of the power and authorities in us vested, hereby authorize and em-
power you to call to your assistance a sufficient number of known and approved Past Master Masons to open and constitute a new Lodge at Kaskaskia, in the Indiana Territory, in the United States, and there to proceed to the installation of our worthy Brother James Edgar, Masterelect, and other the officers of a new Lodge there to be established and constituted, to be called The Western Star Lodge/ No. 107, according to the most ancient and honourable custom of the Royal Craft in all ages and amongst all nations throughout the known world, and not contrarywise, and make report to us, hereon endorsed of your proceedings. This Dispensation to remain in force for three months from the date hereof and no longer. "Given under our hand and the seal of our Right Worshipful Grand Lodge, at the city of Philadelphia, this
V
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
51
eighteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord 1806, and of Masonry 5806.
JAMES MILNOR.
(Seal.)
(G.L.) Attest
:
GEORGE A. BAKER, Grand Secretary. The following is the endorsement on back of commission of duty performed,
made by Brother Robert Robinson
WESTERN STAR LODGE,
NO.
:
107.
"Agreeably to the within Dispensation to me directed to open and constitute a new Lodge of Ancient York Masons at Kaskaskia, and to install the W. Master, Brother James Edgar, and other the officers thereof, on the 13th day of
my assistance a sufficient numknown and approved Past Master Masons, and proceeded to open and constitute a new Lodge under the warrant of the R. W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, bearing September, 1806, I took to
ber of
date the
2d day of June, 1806,
to
the brethren here
granted.
"Whereupon the W. Master, Brother James Edgar, and the other officers of this Lodge in the same warrant mentioned, were duly installed and invested with the ensigns of their respective form.
offices,
and the Lodge closed in due
ROBERT ROBINSON, Lodge No. 107.
Appointed to constitute "Kaskaskia, October 20th, 1806."
Following this, under the several dates, we have "St. John's Day, 27th December, 1806.
"A
:
report of Lodge No. 107 having been duly constituted on the 13th day of September last, endorsed on the Dis-
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
52
pensation directed to Brother Kobert Kobinson for that purpose, was read and ordered to be filed.
*********
"Monday, 1st June, A. D. 1807. "Lodge No. 107, held at Kaskaskia. Election return of December last, returning Brother James Edgar, W. M.; Brother Michael Jones, S. W. ; Brother Andrew Henry, W. ; Brother William Arundel, Secretary ; Brother Robert Robinson, Treasurer. Return of members, account of J.
Grand Lodge
dues, also a copy of the By-Laws of said referred to the Committee on By-Laws to examine Lodge; and report thereon."
Friday, 17th July, A. D. 1807, a Grand Extra Communication was held to act upon a petition from St. Genevieve, in the Territory of Louisiana, which event,
speaking well for the activity of Western Star Lodge and its Master, Brother
the approved Masonic knowledge of James Edgar, we give place here: It
was "from several brethren residing in the Territory
of Louisiana praying for a warrant for holding a Lodge in the town of St. Genevieve, in the said Territory, to be called 'The Louisiana Lodge/ and that Brother Doctor
Aaron Eliot might be named Master; Brother Andrew Henry, Senior Warden, and Brother George Bullitt, Junior Warden of the same; and that Brother James Edgar, W. Master of the Western Star Lodge, No. 107, held at Kas-
might be authorized to constitute the said Lodge, which petition being in due form and being recommended by said Lodge No. 107, agreeably to the regulations of this Grand Lodge. It was on motion made and seconded. "Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners be granted, and that Brother Grand Secretary make out a warrant accordingly and that the said Lodge be Number 109." kaskia,
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829. St.
Genevieve
is
53
near Kaskaskia, but across the Missis-
sippi, and in the Territory of Louisiana then, but the State of Missouri now. While Kaskaskia, then in the Territory of Indiana, afterwards inj the Territory of Illinois and
later in the State of Illinois,
may now
be in the State of
Missouri and most assuredly the most of it under the It bothers one to keep the geography Mississippi Kiver. of this country as it does that of the world in this nation-
making age. "Monday, 21st December, A. D. 1807, Lodge No. 107, held at Kaskaskia. A letter from said Lodge, dated 24th August last, mentioning its having enclosed $20 on account of Grand Lodge dues, which Brother Grand Secretary informed he had paid over to Grand Treasurer." At this same Communication a report was made by Committee on By-Laws, which is interesting: "The Committee on By-Laws made report on the ByLaws of Lodge No. 107, which was read and in the words following, to- wit:
"The Committee to whom was of
Lodge No.
107, held in the
referred the
town
By-Laws
of Kaskaskia,
"Respectfully beg leave to report,
"That they have carefully examined the same and recom-
mend
the following alterations: "Section 2nd, in 2nd line, after the word Regular, in-
sert 'Stated.'
"Ditto, in 7th line, to strike out the word 'Special/ "Ditto, in 9th line, to insert after the word Eegular 'Stated.'
"Ditto, in 9
and 10
lines, strike
out
'or instanter, if pre-
pared.'
"Section 4th, to strike out the whole of this section. "Deer. 7th, 1807.
Signed by Committee."
HISTOEY OF FREEMASONRY.
54
"Which report was accepted, and all the alterations therein proposed were approved, except the second alteration, to strike out the word Special, which was not approved.
"The
said
2nd
section as altered reads as follows, to-
'Every person desirous of becoming a member of our Lodge shall be proposed in regular stated Lodge hours, by a member thereof, who shall present a petition in writwit:
an account of the candidate, his name and of The petition place residence, and being of full age. seconded a shall member be read. being by Whereupon, a ing, giving
committee of three members at least, to be appointed by the Lodge to report next regular stated Lodge special
the character, &c., of the candidate, and if the committee report favourable, the ballot shall then be taken, and the
candidate elected without a dissenting vote. The Master shall cause him to be informed that the Lodge is ready
him (which may only be done in case there be no other business before the Lodge), or at an, extra Lodge to be agreed on at the time of the candidate's election; but in case a black ball should through a mistake be put in the box at the time of balloting, the ballot shall be taken a second and a third time, and if there still appears a black ball the candidate shall be dismissed and no reason exacted from any member of this Lodge. "The said 4th section, which was stricken out, read as to receive
follows, to wit:
Provided, however, that during the Disthis Lodge is now constituted, a
pensation under which
may be proposed at any Special Lodge any time before the regular Lodge night, anything in the second section of these By-Laws to the contrary notwithstanding. candidate
"And was
the said last amendment, which was stricken out, 'In order to enable
in the words following, to wit:
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
55
Lodge to take a ballot and initiate a candidate at an Lodge during the time limited by this Dispensation, it was motioned, seconded, and unanimously agreed this
extra
to,
that so
much
of the
By-Laws as relates to the balloting and that this Lodge shall have initiate, pass and raise members at
for candidates be repealed,
power
to ballot for,
extra Lodges, during the Dispensation." Philadelphia, Monday, 16th October, A. D. 1809.
At
this, an adjourned Quarterly Communication, committee reported on Returns of Lodges, when chartered and their indebtedness to Grand Lodge, in which we find:
"No. 107, The Western Star, at Kaskaskia, in the Indiana Territory. Granted 2 June, 1806. Eeturns to December, 1806. A balance of $5.52, owing to that time/' and of which the Grand Secretary was directed to notify them.
August
7,
1813.
Western Star Lodge was notified of
being more than two years in arrears for Grand Lodge dues, and unless, satisfactory reasons for such neglect were
given for next Quarterly Communication of Grand Lodge, their warrant would be vacated. Philadelphia, Monday, April 4th, A. D. 1814, A. L. 5814. At this adjourned Quarterly Communication we find
Grand Secretary reports
all
returns
made and dues
paid.
"Lodge No. 107, held at Kaskaskia, Illinois Territory. Election return, returning Brother William C. Greenup, W. M. ; Brother Philip Fouke, S. W. ; Brother Clement S. Conway, J. W. ; Brother Philip Rockblave, Treasurer; Brother Michael Jones, Secretary. Return of members and account of Grand Lodge dues. Also, a copy of the By-Laws of Lodge No. 107, was received and referred to the Committee on
By-Laws
to
examine and report thereon,"
56
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
which committee did and reported same at March 6th, 1815, Communication, and their report was adopted. Having seen that "The Western Star Lodge, No. 107," was firmly established and several others having been warranted by other Grand Lodges,
we take up the Masonic
history of Governor Shadrach Bond, and that of the Grand Lodge organized by eight of those Lodges in the year
1822, A. L. 5822.
GOVERNOR BOND'S FREEMASONRY. Brother Shadrach Bond was made a Freemason in Temple Lodge, No. 26, Reisters Town, Baltimore County, Maryland, but in what year we cannot learn. Brother E. T. Schultz, in his history of Freemasonry in Maryland, says that Temple Lodge was instituted in 1797, and ceased to work in 1815, returning no books or papers to Grand
Grand Secretary Jacob H. Medary informs me that any records of this Lodge which may have been in his office were lost in the fire which destroyed their Temple in Lodge.
Baltimore, December 25, 1890. In the Pennsylvania Register of
rach
Bond became a member
of
Members we find ShadThe Western Star Lodge,
No. 107, Kaskaskia, Territory of Indiana, December 27, 1806, and we have the record of his visit to that Lodge on October
4,
affiliation
1806,
when
his petition for
membership by
was presented.
Brother John C. Reynolds, in his "History of Masonry in Illinois," copies liberally from the Records of The Western Star Lodge and other Lodges, but what became of the original papers of them.
we do not know, nor can we
find trace
From authentic record we have the fact that Brother Bond was Junior Deacon of his Lodge in 1814, and Worshipful Master in 1815-18-27-28-29, and that he frequent attendant on Lodge at all times.
was a
In the closing days of Governor Bond's official term as Governor the Grand Lodge of Freemasons for the State of Illinois was constituted, and December 11, 1822, Brother
Bond was elected, and at a subsequent first M. W. Grand Master. 57
date installed as
its
MASONIC CONVENTION. The following is a copy of the records of the Masonic Convention which formed the first Grand Lodge in the State of Illinois, A. D. December 9, 1822, A. L. 5822, which was "styled and known" as "The Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons." "Organization of the Grand Lodge of Illinois,
Illinois, of
of
Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons. "Vandalia, Illinois. "Masonic Convention, December 9, 1822. At a meeting of the brethren, consisting of the delegates of the different Lodges in the State of Illinois, on Monday, December 9,
A. L.
5822, Brother
Thomas
Chairman, and Brother
C.
Brown was appointed
Wm. H.
Brown, Secretary. brethreni produced their certificates and were recognized as delegates, viz. : Libanus Lodge, No. 29. Richard J. McKinney, Dennis
"The following
Rockwell, John Y. Sawyer, Nathaniel Buckmaster, William H. Hopkins, David Prickett. The Western Star Lodge, No. 107. Thomas Reynolds, Shadrach Bond. Olive Branch Lodge, No.
Gear, Charles
5.
James W.Whitney, Charles
W. Hunter.
Albion Lodge, No.
9.
Benjamin
J.
Mills, Gilbert T.
Pell.
Eden Lodge, No. 11. James Turney. Union Lodge, No. 10. Abner Field, Charles Dunn. Vandalia Lodge, No. 8. William H. Brown, James__M. Duncan, John S. Duncan. Russell Botsford, E. John Warnock. 58
OUR SECOND STATE HOUSE, VANDALIA, WHERE GRAND LODGE ORGANIZED,
1822,
AND HELD COMMUNICATIONS
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
Lawrence Lodge, No.
34.
Thomas
61 C.
Brown, James
Hall.
"On motion
:
"Resolved, That a committee be appointed to form a Constitution for a Grand Lodge in the State of Illinois, and that the committee report to-morrow at 4 o'clock. "Bros. T. Keynolds, C. W. Hunter, G. T. Pell, James Turney, Abner Field, Wm. H.Brown, James Hall and John Y. Sawyer were appointed That committee.
"On motion: "Resolved,
That the Grand Lodge be located
at
Van-
dalia."
The Convention then adjourned o'clock p.
until to-morrow at 4
m.
December 10, A. L. 5822. "The Convention again assembled. Bro. Sawyer, from the committee appointed to draft a Constitution for a Grand Lodge, reported the following Constitution, which was read section by section and adopted."
As the Constitution, together with a copy of the ByLaws, appears with the proceedings of the Special Communication held at Vandalia, January 3, A. L. 5826, we omit their publication here and proceed with the organization.
Formed and agreed upon December
9 (10), A. L. 5822.
Libanus Lodge, No. 29. Richard J. McKinney, Dennis Eockwell, John Y. Sawyer, Nathaniel Buckmaster, William H. Hopkins, David Pricket.
The Western Star Lodge, No. 107. Thomas Reynolds, Shadrach Bond. James W. Whitney, Charles Olive Branch Lodge, No. 5. W. Charles Hunter. Gear,
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
62
Albion Lodge, No.
9.
Benjamin
J. Mills, Gilbert T.
Pell.
Eden Lodge, No. 11. James Turney. Union Lodge, No. 10. Abner Field, Charles Dunn. Vandalia Lodge, No. 8. William H. Brown, James M. Djuican, John S. Duncan, Kussell Botsford, E. C. jBexcy, John Warnock. Lawrence Lodge, No. 34. Thomas C. Brown, James Hall.
"On motion
of Bro.
Dunn
:
"Resolved, That the delegates from each Lodge take a copy of the Constitution and transmit the same to their respective Lodges. "Adjourned until to-morrow at 4 o'clock p.
m."
Wednesday, December llth, A. L. 5822. "The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
"On motion adopted
of Bro. Hall, the following resolution
was
:
That we proceed forthwith to the nominafill the offices of Grand Master, Grand Grand Wardens, Secretary and Grand Treasurer, which "Resolved,
tions of persons to
nominations shall be presented to the several Lodges, with the Constitution recommended for their adoption; and if a majority of the Lodges approve of said nominations, the
persons so nominated shall be considered as duly elected. "Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the several Lodges, immediately upon the ratification or disapproval
by them of the proceedings of this Convention, to transmit notice of same to the Grand Master-elect, and if it appear that a majority of the Lodges concur in the proceedings of the Convention, then the Grand Lodge shall be considered as duly organized, and the Grand Master
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
63
shall order the first meeting of the same at such time as he shall think proper. "Whereupon, the Convention proceeded to ballot for
when upon counting the ballots it appeared that Shadrach Bond was elected Grand Master; John Y. Saw-
officers,
Grand Senior Warden; Wm. M. Alexander, Grand Junior Warden; Eichard T. McKinney, Grand Secretary;
yer,
James 0. Wattles, Grand Treasurer.
"On motion
of Bro. Hall
:
"Resolved, That a copy of the minutes of the Convention be made out by the Secretary, and countersigned by the Chairman, and that a copy of the Constitution now
formed be deposited in Vandalia Lodge until the Grand Lodge is organized. "The Convention then adjourned sine die.
"THOMAS
C.
BROWN, "Chairman.
"WM. H. BROWN, "Secretary." It will be seen from the foregoing that a copy of the Constitution was to have been deposited in the archives of Vandalia Lodge, but after "strict search and due enquiry" 1
has been
made
in and about Vandalia by Brother Richard we learn that no copy or other paper
T. Higgins, for me,
connected with this Convention can be found.
In 1859,
Brother J. W. Whitney, a member of the Convention, and of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 5, sent a copy of these pro-
Harmon G. Reynolds, then Grand and Secretary, suggested that a duplicate be made and filed in the archives of Pittsfield Lodge, to find which that diligent craftsman, W. B. Grimes, has made strict search, and ceedings to Brother
they cannot be found.
It is believed that the proceedings
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
64
of this Convention were never published, writer's
knowledge goes, but few
sions of this
Grand Lodge are
now
the three copies
and
as far as this
any copies of the sesfound in Illinois, except
if
to be
in his possession of three different give exact reproductions of
Grand Communications.
We
the same in this book, as they are of special interest to our brother craftsmen.
For the loan of these proceedings and the many original papers of the Grand Lodge of 1822, we are under fraternal obligations to Brothers William A. Sinn, Grand Secretary, and George P. Rupp, Librarian, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania; Thomas H. R. Redway, Grand Secretary, New Jersey; and Eev. John D. Vincil, Grand Secretary, Missouri.
To
Brothers William Schuchert and John D. Gerlach,
W. M., Kaskaskia Lodge, No. 86 ; Mr. James N. Brown and Conrad Boeder, of St. Louis, and others, we are under obligations! for favors, for of Chester; Bro. J. A. Wagner,
which they have our thanks.
Grand Lodge is reported to have met in Stated Communication in December, 1823, but no proceedings have been found of that date, or any printed before those of December
6,
1824.
proceedings, so far as we can discover, are as correct follows, copies of which we give in page, form and in as the original, with photo copies of the title pages size,
The printed
of the pamphlets
:
Proceedings, December 6-14, 1824. Proceedings, January 1, 1825. Constitution and By-Laws, 1822-6. Proceedings, January 3-10, 1826. Proceedings, December 3-20, 1826. Proceedings, January 1-23, 1827.
65
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
The
discovery of these old records of 1826-7 clears up a mystery we have endeavored to penetrate for over forty years,
Lodge, No.
From where
did Strangers' Union in 1826, receive its in Galena 14, working
and that
is:
authority ? In the record of December 20, 1826,
we
find the follow-
ing: petition of sundry brethren residing at Fever [Fevre] River for a charter at that place, recommended by Frontier Lodge, was received and referred to a select
"The
committee," and at the session of January following
1,
1827, the.
:
That the committee to which was referred! on Fever [Fevre] Eiver be discharged from the further consideration thereof, and that a charter be issued by this Grand Lodge agreeable to ''Ordered,
the petition of sundry brethren
the prayer of said petitioners."
Again, on January 23, 1827, Grand Lodge adopted the following:
"Resolved, That Brother
Henry H. Snow be authorized Lodge at Fever [Fevre]
to install the first officers of the
River."
This little mining village where the lodge at Fever River was situated was three miles back from the Missis-
which had been "Fevre River," but which finally became Galena River, from the name of So of the village; it the mineral found in its banks. sippi River, on a small but deep stream, since 1823 as "Bean River" and
known
had been known
as
"La
Pointe," but more generally as
"Fever River Village," until in the winter of 1826 it had been resolved by the citizens that it should have the name of its mineral, large deposits of which were found in the
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
6
surrounding country, and mines of which are still being discovered and extensively worked. This Grand Lodge we are writing about has been known to but few except as a tradition, and it was not known that a copy of its proceedings existed until the writer found the same in our Eastern States.
Even the Deputy Grand Secretary, John C. Reynolds, the historian of our present Grand Lodge, appointed as such by Grand Master Jerome R. Gorin, October 10, 1867, he was by his father, Harmon G. Reynolds, Secretary, failed to find any proceedings of Grand later than January 10, 1826.
assisted as
Grand Lodge
We
have added
3-20, A. D. 1826,
with
much
Lodge
other
in Illinois.
full copies of proceedings of
and January
new matter
1-23, A.
December
D. 1827, together
relating to that first
Grand
or THE
AT THE
AT VANDALIA,
MONDAY, DECEMBER
6,
EDWARDSVILLE PRINTED BY THOMAS 1825.
J.
A. L. 5624.
:
M'GUJOE.
PROCEEDINGS, At
&c.
the Annual Communication of the
Grand Lodge of Monday, the
the State of Illinois, held at Vandalia, on 6th day of December, A. L. 5824. Present:
W. James Hall, D. G. M. and G. M. pro tern. W. George H. C. Melody, D. G. M. pro tern. R. W. John Y. Sawyer, G. S. W. R. W. Wm. M. Alexander, G. J. W. R. W. Wm. H. Brown, D. G. Secretary. R. W. James 0. Wattles, G. Treasurer. W. James MJDuncan, G. S. D. W. Richard J. Hamilton, G. J. D. W. Emanuel J. West, G. Tyler, pro tern. R.
R.
Albion Lodge
Delegates. Jesse B. Brown and
Union Lodge
James
S. Smith,
Henry I. Mills. W. M., Henry L. Webb,
P.M. Vandalia Lodge Robert H. Peebles, W. M., Nathaniel Sanburn, J. W., William H. Brown, P. M. Lawrence Lodge James Hall and Thomas C. Browne.
Hiram Lodge
Richard
Western Star Lodge
J.
Hamilton, W. M.
Thomas
Reynolds. Visiting Brethren.
Alexander Philips and John M. Robinson, of Western Star Lodge ; Nicholas Hansen and Thomas J. M'Guire, of Libanus Lodge; William Twigg, of Albion Lodge; Dan-
Hay, of Lawrence Lodge; Curtiss Blakeman, of St. Andrews Lodge, N. Y. ; Aaron Knapp, of Homer Lodge, N. Y. On motion of Brother Grand Senior Warden, iel
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
70
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to examine the credentials of delegates attending this Grand
Lodge.
Whereupon Brothers Sawyer, Wattles and J. B. Brown were appointed that committee. The credentials of the delegates from Albion Lodge were read and referred to the Committee on Credentials. The report from Union Lodge was read, and referred
mentioned committee. petition of Jacob C. Bruner was read, and on motion of Brother Grand Treasurer, referred to a select committee, consisting of Brothers Wattles, Hamilton and J. B. Brown. On motion of Brother Grand Junior Warden, to the last
The
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to enquire how far the subordinate Lodges within this state are affected by the resolution declaring that "the Lodges which assisted at the formation of this Grand Lodge shall be con-
sidered as within our jurisdiction,"
and what
is
the opera-
tion of said resolution in regard to such Lodges.
Brothers Alexander, Field, Hamilton, Wattles and Dunn were appointed that committee. The following committees were appointed by the M. W.
Grand Master pro
tern., viz
:
To examine
the accounts of
the Treasurer, Brothers Webb and Hamilton. To examine the books and papers of the Secretary, Brothers Reynolds and J. B. Brown.
On until
motion, Resolved, That this Grand Lodge adjourn tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Tuesday, December
The Grand Lodge met pursuant
7.
to adjournment. Present, the same as yesterday, with the addition of Brothers
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
71
James Watts,
of Libamis Lodge; Frederick Hollman, of Vandalia Lodge; James Adams, of Skaneateles Lodge, N. Y. ; Stephen Stillman, of Sangamo Lodge; Richard M.
Young, of Union Lodge ; Joseg^Duncan.of Hiram LodgB r and David Coons, of Olive BrancKTxxIge. The Committee on Credentials made the following report:
The Committee
to
whom was
referred the examination
of credentials report that the credentials of all the Lodges represented here are in form, with the exception of Albion Lodge, which has appointed delegates, instead of their officers of the Lodge, as proxies. therefore, beg leave to introduce the following resolution:
being appointed by the
Your committee,
Resolved, That the delegates from Albion Lodge be lowed to take their seats in this Grand Lodge. Which report and resolution were concurred in.
al-
Brother Wattles, from the Select Committee on the petition of Jacob C. Bruner, reported favorably to the prayer of the petitioner, and recommended the adoption of the following resolution, viz :
Resolved, That Jacob C. Bruner, who has been expelled from Libanus Lodge, be restored to his membership in the same, and to the privileges of Masonry ; but that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to prevent the said Lodge from again proceeding to the trial of the charges exhibited against him. Which report and resolution were ordered to
lie
on the
table.
The Grand Senior Warden made the following report: In the absence of the M. W. Grand Master, the Grand Senior Warden reports that a charter has been granted to
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
72
Albion Lodge, and a Dispensation to Hart Fellows and others, of Carrollton, in the
County of Greene, during the Grand Communi-
vacation, with orders to return it to this cation.
The M. W. Grand Master pro tern, appointed Brothers McGuire and Hamilton the Standing Committee on
Mills,
reports
from Lodges.
reports of Hiram and Vandalia Lodges were read, referred to the last mentioned committee.
The and
The committee appointed to examine the Secretary's books and papers report that they have performed that dut}', and find them correct, except in one instance, where the
names
of the visiting brethren were omitted to be in-
serted.
On motion
of Brother
Deputy Grand Secretary, the
fol-
lowing resolution was adopted: Resolved, That the Committee on Eeports from Lodges be required to- examine and report whether the Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge have complied with the by-laws in the payment of their dues. On motion, Resolved, That this Grand Lodge adjourn till tomorrow at 2 o'clock p. m.
Wednesday, December 8. The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment.
Pres-
ent, as before.
The Grand Treasurer made the following was concurred in
report,
which
:
The Grand Treasurer begs leave to report that during the past year he has received from Palestine Lodge five dollars towards payment for the Dispensation granted from the
Grand
lars,
Secretary, and no more, making in all six dolwhich remains in his hands, subject to the disposal
of the
Grand Lodge.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
73
The committee appointed to enquire how far the subordinate Lodges are affected by the formation of this Grand Lodge, with the Grand Lodges under whom they formerly, or now work, made a report, which was concurred
in.
The Committee
to
subordinate Lodges, red in.
whom was made
referred the reports of the
a report,
which was concur-
On motion
of Brother Grand Junior Warden, That a committee of three be appointed to Resolved, draft a memorial to the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, to enquire into the causes which have induced that Grand to suspend the Western Star Lodge, at Kaskaskia. Brothers Alexander, Hamilton and Sawyer were appointed that committee.
Lodge
The
report from Albion Lodge was read, and referred Committee on reports from Lodges. On motion of Brother Eeynolds the petition of Jacob C. Bruner was taken up, and On motion of Brother Grand Junior Warden, the following resolution was adopted: Resolved, That as Libanus Lodge is working under the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, this Grand Lodge can take no cognizance of said petition. On motion of Brother Grand Senior Warden, the folto the
lowing resolutions were adopted: Resolved, That the subordinate Lodges, who assisted at the formation of this Grand Lodge, and have neglected
from other Grand Lodges, and Grand Lodge, be allowed a further
to surrender their charters
take charters from this
time of six months to perform that duty. Resolved, That those Lodges neglecting the requisitions
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
74
of the preceding resolution, be stricken from the rolls of Grand Lodge, and that those Lodges be immediately
this
furnished with a copy of these resolutions. On motion, Resolved, That an election for Grand Officers of this Grand Lodge be held this evening at 7 o'clock,
and that the officers so elected be publicly installed to-morrow at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. A communication from E. C. Berry was read, and, on motion of Brother Grand Junior Warden, it was referred to a select committee, consisting of Brothers Alexander,
Duncan and Reynolds. The Committee on Reports from Lodges, made a
report,
accompanied by the following resolution, both of which were concurred in Resolved, That the delegates from Albion Lodge are en:
titled to all the privileges and. rights of
members
of this
Grand Lodge. The M. W. Grand Lodge then proceeded to the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, when, upon counting the ballots, it appeared that Brother James Hall was elected M.
W.
G. Master.
Brother John York Sawyer, R. W. G. S. Warden. Brother Richard J. Hamilton, R. W. G. J. Warden. Brother James 0. Wattles, R. W. G. Treasurer. Brother William H. Brown, R. W. G. Secretary.
The M. W. Grand Lodge then adjourned
till
to-morrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Thursday, December
9.
The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment. Lodge of Past Master Masons was opened-; R. W. George H. C. Melody, G. M. R. W. Henry L. Webb, G. S. W.
A
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
E.
W. James
0. Wattles, G. J.
75
W.
Brother James Watts, G. S. D. Brother Robert H. Peebles, G. J. D.
Brother James S. Smith, G. Tyler. And after some business done therein, the Lodge was closed, and a Lodge of Master Masons opened.
M. W. James Hall, G. Master, elect, W. John Y. Sawyer, G. S. W., elect.
E.
W. Richard J. Hamilton, G. J. W., elect. W. James 0. Wattles, G. Treasurer, elect. R. W. William H. Brown, G. Secretary, elect. Brother Thomas Reynolds, G. S. D., pro tern. Brother Emanuel J. West, G. J. D., pro tern. R. R.
Brother Joseph Enos, G. Tyler, pro tern. Brothers Watts, Dunn and others, members and visiting brethren.
The Grand
Officers elect of the
M. W. Grand Lodge
of
the State of Illinois were then installed, in due form, by the R. W. George H. C. Melody, Deputy Master of the
Grand Lodge of Missouri. A communication from R. W. Brother George H. C. Melody was read. On motion of Brother Grand Senior Warden, Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be presented to Brother Melody, for his polite attention and fraternal kindness in attending the present Annual Grand Communication, and for the aid. he has rendered in the performance of our duties. Resolved, That a committee be
appointed to wait on Brother Melody and present to him the above resolution,
and request him
to receive the
sum
of twenty dollars to sum the
discharge the expenses of his visit to us, which
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
76
Grand Treasurer
is
hereby authorized to pay to said com-
mittee.
Ordered, That Brothers Sawyer, that committee.
Webb and Eeynolds be
The M. W. Grand Lodge then adjourned
till
to-morrow
at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
Friday, December 10.
The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment. M. W. James Hall, G. M. R. W. John Y. Sawyer, G. S. W. R. W. Richard J. Hamilton, G. J. W. R. W. James 0. Wattles, G. Treasurer. R. W. William H. Brown, G. Secretary. Brother Robert H. Peebles, G. S. D., pro tern. Brother Charles Dunn, G. J. D., pro tern. Brother Joseph Enos, G. Tyler, pro tern. Brothers Whiteaker, Webb, H. I. Mills, Norton, Twigg, Smith, Utter and Adams, members and visitors.
The M. W. Grand Master made the following appointments, viz: Brother Henry H. Snow, Deputy Grand Master. Brother Robert H. Peebles, Grand Senior Deacon. Brother Emanuel
J. West, Grand Junior Deacon. Brother John Whiteaker, Grand Marshal. Brother Thomas Reynolds, Grand Sword Bearer.
Brother Charles Dunn, Grand Pursuivant. Brother James S. Smith and Brother John Warnock, Grand Stewards. Brother Joseph Enos, Grand Tyler. The Grand Secretary appointed Brother
Thomas
Posey, Deputy Grand Secretary of this Grand Lodge. On motion of Brother Grand Treasurer,
L.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829. Resolved, That
all
77
the subordinate Lodges in this State
have discharged their dues to the Grand Lodges under which they have hitherto held, and withdrawn from the jurisdiction of such Grand shall receive charters, so soon as they
Lodges, on application to the M. surrendering to
him
W. Grand
Master, and
their former charters.
On motion of Brother Grand Senior Deacon, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted: Whereas, the Vandalia Lodge has paid to Col. William Berry the sum of forty dollars, as a compensation for the Sword, destroyed by the conflagration of the state house, after the meeting of this Grand Lodge in 1823 ;
loss of his
therefore,
to this
M.
W. Grand Lodge for the present year be remitted. The bye-laws of LTnion Lodge were presented, and
re-
Resolved, That the dues owing by said
ferred to the Committee on Keports On motion of Brother Dunn,
from Lodges.
be recommended by this Grand Lodge Lodges subordinate thereto, to transact the
Resolved, That to each of the
Lodge
it
ordinary business of a Lodge in an Entered Apprentice's to receive and act upon all petitions for memfor or bership, any degree in Masonry, in a Master's Lodge and that the Grand Secretary transmit a copy of this only,
Lodge and ;
resolution to each of the subordinate Lodges.
The M. W. Grand Lodge then adjourned
till
to-morrow
afternoon at 2 o'clock.
A Past Master's Lodge was then opened, and Brothers Snow, Peebles, Dun, West, Reynolds, Whiteaker, Smith, Warnock and Enos were duly installed in their respective offices.
The Past Master's Lodge was then harmony.
closed in peace
and
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
78
Tuesday, December 14. The M. W. Grand Lodge met pursuant
to
adjournment.
Present, as before.
Brother Guy W. Smith presented the dispensation, granted in vacation, to certain brethren residing in Palestine ; also, a return from said Lodge, which was received.
On motion
of Brother
Grand Treasurer, a charter was
granted to Palestine Lodge, and time was given them till the next Grand Communication, to pay the fees due for said charter.
Brother Eeynolds, from the committee appointed upon the memorial of E. C. Berry, made a report, which was adopted; and the Grand Secretary ordered to forward a
copy to the Grand Lodge of Missouri immediately. Ordered, That the dispensation, heretofore granted to brethren residing at Carrollton be renewed, and continued in force, until the next Annual Communication of this
Grand Lodge. Union and Vandalia Lodges having paid to the Grand Lodge of Missouri the dues owing to said Lodge, and having surrendered their charters to this Grand Lodge, it is ordered that charters be issued to said Union Lodge as Union Lodge No. 7, and Vandalia Lodge as Vandalia Lodge, No. 5. On motion, Ordered, That Brothers Peebles and Brown be a committee to confer with Mr. Bullard, on account of
room for the use of this Grand Lodge. The Grand Lodge was then adjourned till the first day of January next, and a Lodge of Past Master Masons opened ; when Brother Guy W. Smith was introduced, .and the rent of his
duly installed Master of Palestine Lodge in ample form. The Lodge of Past Masters was then closed in peace and
harmony.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
January
1,
79
A. L. 5825.
The Grand Lodge met pursuant to adjournment M. W. James Hall, G. M. E. W. Henry H. Snow, Deputy G. M. E. W. John Y. Sawyer, G. S. W. E. W. Eobert H. Peebles, G. J. W. pro tern. E. W. James 0. Wattles, G. Treasurer. E. W. Benjamin Mills, G. Secretary, pro tern. Brother William Twigg, G. S. D., pro Brother Emanuel J. West, G. J. D.
tern.
Brother Joseph Enos, G. Tyler.
A and
report from Olive Branch
Lodge was presented, read
accepted.
Brother Grand Junior Deacon presented the following
which was adopted That the E. W. Deputy Grand Master of this Grand Lodge be, and he is hereby authorized and required, to visit each and every Lodge, under the jurisdiction of this resolution,
:
Resolved,
Grand Lodge once
On motion
in each year.
Grand Junior Deacon, M. W. Grand Lodge be presented, through the M. W. Grand Master, to the of Brother
Resolved, That the thanks of this
Honorable Senate of the State of offer of the use of the
Illinois, for their polite
Senate Chamber, for the use of this
Grand Lodge. The E. W. Grand Senior Warden presented a memorial, which, upon his motion, was adopted as a substitute for the one presented upon the petition of E. C. Berry, and ordered to be forwarded to the Grand Lodge of Missouri. On motion of Brother Grand Senior Deacon, Ordered, That the sum of four dollars be appropriated for the payment of John Bullard, for the use of his chamber.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
80
On motion
of the R. W. Deputy Grand Master, That Ordered, upon the presentation of their work, constitution and by-laws to the M. W. Grand Master, or his Deputy, a charter be granted in vacation to Lodge as Lodge No. 11.
Greene
On motion
of Brother Grand Treasurer, That the sum of seven dollars be allowed to Ordered, Brother Joseph Enos for his services as Tyler; and that the Grand Treasurer be, and he is thereby authorized, to pay over to Brother Enos said sum out of any money in
the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. No further business appearing before the it
Grand Lodge,
was closed in peace and harmony. WM. H. BROWN, Grand Secretary. Abstract of the return of Lodges under the jurisdiction Grand Lodge, for the year 1824.
of the
Initiated.
.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
81
heavy made, about 5 feet 9 inches high, by occupation a farmer.
No
fWilliam G. Shade
The Lodges
description given.
Kaskaskia, Shawneetown and Edwardsville, the oldest in the State, and the Sangamo Lodge, at Springfield, have not yet dissolved their connecNote.
at
Grand Lodges under whom they obtained and united with the Grand Lodge of Illinois.
tions with the charters,
E.
W.
Sir and Brother:
I herewith transmit
you the proceedings of the Grand
Lodge of Illinois, at their in 1824.
Grand Annual Communication,,
WILLIAM H. BROWN, Grand Address of the Grand Secretary
Secretary.
:
WILLIAM H. BROWN, Vandalia,
Illinois,
CONSTITUTION, AND
BYE-LAWS,
OF THE
STATE OF ILLINOIS. AND
THEIR PROCEEDINGS AT A
SPECIAL COMMUNICATION OPENED AT VANDAUA, ON THE
THIRD DAY OF JANUARY? A. AND CLOSED JANUARY
10,
L. 5826,
A- L. 526.
VANDALIA: PRINTED BY BOBERT BLACKWELU 1826.
CONSTITUTION. Be it ordained, That the Grand Lodge shall conGrand Master; a Deputy Grand Master; Grand Senior and Grand Junior Wardens; a Grand Chaplain; a Grand Treasurer; a Grand Secretary, and Deputy Grand Secretary ; two Grand Deacons a Grand Marshal ; a Grand Tyler; two Grand Stewards; a Grand Sword Bearer; a Grand Pursuivant. The Masters and Wardens, for the time being, of the several Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, all Past Grand Officers of this Grand Lodge, and all Sect.
1.
sist of a
;
Past Masters of regular Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, who continue members of any regular Lodge
members of, and admitted to vote in, members who were present at, instrument drawn up and agreed upon at this
are likewise considered this
Grand Lodge ;
and signed this
also those
Convention for the formation of thisGrandLodge, whilstthey continue members
of,
and pay dues
to
any regular Lodge in
this state.
Sect. 2. The Grand Lodge, so organized, shall be styled and known by the name of "The Grand Lodge of Illinois, of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons." Sect. 3. The Grand Lodge shall hold Annual Communications and the Grand Master, or his Deputy, in case of his ab:
may, on very urgent occasions, call special meetings. When any officer of a subordinate Lodge cannot the attend Grand. Lodge, he may depute any Brother of equal or superior rank to himself, to act for him in the Grand Lodge; and such deputation shall be under the hand and seal of the Brother deputing ; when the Master or Wardens of any subsence,
Sect. 4.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
86
ordinate Lodge depute the same Brother to represent them, he must have attained at least the rank of Past Master. Sect. 5.
Past Grand Officers
may
hold
offices
in subordi-
nate Lodges ; and this shall not deprive them of any privileges they might claim in the Grand Lodge as Past Grand Officers.
The Grand Master, Grand Senior and Junior WarGrand dens, Treasurer, and Grand Secretary, shall be annuelected ally by ballot; the Grand Master and Grand SecreSect. 6.
tary shall appoint their Deputies respectively; and, until the Grand Lodge shall, by its Bye-Laws, otherwise provide, the Grand Master shall appoint all other officers.
In all questions which shall comebefore the Grand for its discussion, every subordinate Lodge shall be Lodge entitled to three votes, which shall not be separated ; but the Sect. 7.
brethren representing such Lodge shall agree among themon which side the votes shall be given ; and every Present and Past Grand Officer, and all Past Masters, being memselves
bers of this Lodge, shall be entitled to one vote individually ; and the Grand Master, and his Deputy when presiding,
whenever necessary, give the casting vote. The Grand Lodge shall have power to constitute new Lodges, by letters patent under their seal ; to establish an uniform mode of working throughout the State, strictly adshall,
Sect. 8.
hering to the ancient land-marks, usages, and customs of Masonry ; and to require from the several Lodges under their jurisdiction, such annual dues as they shall deem necessary, to be appropriated for the benefit of the Craft ; to hear and
appeals from subordinate Lodges, and to decide disputes between different Lodges undertheir jurisdic-
determine
on
all
tion
;
to
all
demand such
fees as
may
be deemed just and rea-
sonable upon granting charters constituting
new Lodges
;
to
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
make such Bye-Laws
as
87
may be necessary for their good gov-
ernment, and not inconsistent with this Constitution; and finally, to do all things heretofore accustomed to be done by other Grand Lodges, which are within the ancient landmarks and usages of the Craft. Sect. 9. That in addition to the officers enumerated in the first
or
clause of this Constitution, there
more Grand Lecturers, whose duty
may
be appointed one once
it shall be, at least
in every year, to visit all the subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, for the purpose of establishing an uniform mode of working, and of correcting any errors which may have obtained among them.
No alteration shall take place in this Constitution, in the except following manner Every amendment shall be in at a Communication of the Grand regular proposed writing Sect. 10.
:
Lodge, a fair copy of which shall be sent by the Grand Secretary to each of the subordinate Lodges, who shall pass or reject the same, and certify their proceedings to the next regular Communication ; when, if it appear that two-thirds of the subordinate Lodges have agreed to pass the same, it shall become a part of this Constitution.
Formed and agreed upon, December
9,
A. L. 5822.
BYE-LAWS. Sect. 1.
The annual meeting
of the
Grand Lodge
shall be
held in the town of Vandalia,on the first Monday in December, which shall be called the Grand Annual Communication ; at
which time the Grand
pointed, in the Sect. 2.
No
Officers shall be elected
manner prescribed by the
and ap-
Constitution.
brother shall be eligible to any office in the shall have passed the chair in some
Grand Lodge, unless he
regular Lodge, or in cases of emergency.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
88
Should the Chair of the Grand Lodge become va-
Sect. 3.
cant by death, resignation or otherwise, it shall be filled by seniority, until the next Grand Annual Communication. And in case any other office becomes vacant by death, resignation, removal, or otherwise, the Grand Master for the time
such vacancy by his nomination. Every Lodge, under the jurisdiction of this Grand
being shall Sect. 4.
fill
shall, at each Grand Annual Communication, deliver Grand Secretary a list of the officers and members of their Lodge ; alsoalistof the admissions, initiations, passings and raisings, deaths, removals, suspensions, and expulsions of members, and rejections of candidates, with the respective dates of each of these occurrences, together with an account
Lodge, to the
current of the dues of the preceding year; which list shall be signed by the Master, and attested by the Secretary. And each Lodge, under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, shall,
Grand Annual Communication, to be holden in December next, furnish this Grand Lodge with a copy of its
at the first
Bye-Laws, and report annually all alterations thereto. Sect. 5. No letter or warrant of dispensation shall be granted for the formation of a new Lodge, but upon the petition of at least seven known and approved Master Masons, in which theirfirstMasterand Wardens shall be nominated; and which petition shall be accompanied by a recommendation from some Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. Sect. 6.
For every warrant of dispensation for the formation
anew Lodge, there shall be paid into the grand Treasury the sum of fifteen dollars and for every charter of Constitution the sum of ten dollars and the further sum of three dollars in addition, to be paid to the Grand Secretary ; which said sums shall be paid before the delivery of the warrant or charter. And in all other cases, where the seal of the Grand of
;
;
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
89
required to be affixed, there shall be paid by the applicant to the Grand Secretary, the sum of two dollars
Lodge
and
is
fifty cents.
Every Lodge under the jurisdiction of this Grand pay into the Grand Treasury, annually, the sum of twenty-five cents for each member thereof, as a grand charity fund; and a further sum of fifty cents, annually, for each member belonging to their Lodge at the time of making their Grand Annual Communication: Provided, That no Sect. 7.
Lodge, shall
shall pay a less sum than five dollars, exclusive of and exclusive of the contribution for charity. And taxes, the Masters and Wardens or representatives of any Lodge, shall not take their seats in the Grand Lodge until all their dues be paid, and the Treasurer's receipt therefor be pro-
Lodge
And in case of the neglect or refusal of any Lodge the same, at or before the next regular Communicapay tion thereafter, unless reasonable excuse be offered, such duced.
to
Lodge shall be stricken off the books of the Grand Lodge, and their warrant or charter considered null and void. But on proper application to the Grand Lodge, making due returns and payment of dues, they may be restored to their former rank and privileges, if the Grand Lodge shall judge proper. Sect. 8.
Ever)''
member
visiting Brother, shall
pay
of the into the
Grand Lodge, and every Grand Treasury, at each
sum of one dollar. Any member of the Grand Lodge who
meeting, the Sect. 9.
lect or refuse to
pay his annual dues for
shall neg-
two successive
Communications, shall be suspended or expelled, as the
Grand Lodge may determine: and no member of the Grand Lodge shall be permitted to vote at any election for Grand Officers until he shall have paid his dues.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
90 Sect. 10.
It shall be the duty of the Grand Treasurer to Grand Lodge, at each Grand Annual Com-
lay before the
all his accounts,
munication,
for inspection
and adjust-
ment, and shall immediately deliver over to his successor any balance which may be found due from him to the
Grand Lodge, together with all the books, papers, and documents belonging to his office, when legally called on. Sect. 11. All appeals from any subordinate Lodge shall be in writing, and left with the Grand Secretary ; and the appellant shall give the other party at least one month's notice thereof: Provided that time shall have elapsed be-
tween taking the appeal and the next Grand Communication; or otherwise the Grand Lodge shall not proceed to hear and determine the same.
When any
Sect. 12.
Brother
is
excluded by any partic-
ular Lodge, for malpractices, information thereof shall be sent to the Grand Lodge, and to all the Lodges under this jurisdiction, as soon as convenient; but the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge,
no Lodge, within nor any member
any manner make public, the or of expulsion any member, except it be to the suspension or within the walls of a Lodge. But nothing fraternity, herein contained shall prevent the Grand Lodge giving publicity to such expulsion, should they deem it proper to
thereof, shall publish, or in
do
so.
of the suspension, expulsion, or resof the votes of the memtwo-thirds member, and in all cases of the resbers present shall be required toration of a Mason suspended or expelled by any Lodge, Sect. 13.
In
all cases
toration of a
:
under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, the same majority shall be required. Sect. 14. The Grand Master,
Deputy Grand Master,
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
91
Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary, for the time being, or a majority of them, shall be a Standing Committee of Charity, under whose direction the grand charity funds shall be distributed. Sect. 15. Each member of the Grand
Lodge
shall be en-
which shall entitle him to admission into any Lodge under this jurisdiction, and to all the rights and privileges which the members of such
titled to a certificate thereof,
Lodges respectively possess. Sect. 16. For every certificate granted by the Grand Lodge to any member of any subordinate Lodge under thisjurisdiction, there shall be paid into the Grand Treasury the sum of one dollar. And no certificate shall be granted to any Brother without a previous certificate from the Lodge of which he is a member, setting forth his regular behavior, and that he had discharged all his dues to the Lodge. the demise of any Lodge within the juGrand Lodge, the last Secretary and Treasurer of said Lodge, or in case of their death, removal, Sect. 17.
Upon
risdiction of this
or absence, the surviving Brethren, shall, within six months Grand Secretary all the books,
thereafter, surrender to the
papers, jewels, funds, and furniture of the Lodge so demised. Sect. 18.
Every Lodge within
this jurisdiction,
ercise all the rights of discipline over
may
ex-
Masons (not mem-
bers thereof, or of any other Lodge) who reside in the immediate vicinity of such Lodge, so far as may relate to the
conduct and behavior of such Masons, whilst resident in the vicinity of such Lodge. Sect. 19. No Brother, of whatever degree, shall be admitted as a member of any Lodge within this jurisdiction,
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
92
without producing evidence of his having regularly demitted from the Lodge to which he previously belonged:
nor shall any Brother, who shall have been initiated in one Lodge, be passed or raised in any other Lodge without permission of the Grand Lodge, or the Grand Officers in vacation. Sect. 20. Each subordinate Lodge shall pay into the Grand Treasury the sum of one dollar for every person
initiated in said Lodge. Sect. 21. The Grand Master
and Deputy Grand Master,
or either of them, in conjunction with the Senior and Junior Grand Wardens, shall have the right to grant dis-
pensations to new Lodges applying for the same in the recess of the Grand Lodge, upon their complying with the requisitions of the Constitution and Bye-Laws; and the Grand Secretary shall, upon their order, issue the same. Sect. 22.
Whenever any
alteration or
amendment
shall
be proposed to these Bye- Laws, it must be reduced to writing and read from the chair, when it may be debated ; and if
concurred in by two-thirds of the members present,
shall
become a part of these Bye-Laws.
it
PROCEEDINGS, At a
&c.
special communicantion of the
M. W. Grand Lodge
of the State of Illinois, held at the State House in the town of Vandalia, on Monday the third day of January, A. L. 5826.
PRESENT.
M. W. JAMES HALL, G. M. M. W. SHADRACH BOND, P. G. M. R. W. HENRY H. SNOW, D. G. M. R. W. HENRY L. WEBB, G. S. W. Pro R. W. HENRY I. MILLS, G. J. W. Pro
tern. tern.
W. J. 0. WATTLES, G. Treasurer. R. W. WM. H. BROWN, G. Secretary. Brother JOHN WHITAKER, G. Marshal. Brother JOSEPH ENOS, G. Tyler. R.
p.
Brother J. Ewing of Vandalia Lodge, brothers A. Hart, M. and David E. Cuyler of Olive Branch Lodge, brother
M'Roberts of Vandalia Lodge, brothers A. Field and Henry L. Webb, of Union Lodge, brothers S. Dewey and Ossian M. Ross, of Frontier Lodge, brother George Webb, of Winchester Lodge, Ky. Levi Roberts, of Olive Branch Lodge, Valentine G. Bradley, of Vincennes Lodge, Israel Seward,
Hamilton Lodge, Ohio, William Ross, of Mystic Lodge, Massachusetts, brother Thomas James of Jackson Lodge No. 25, Missouri, brother Willis Hargrave, of Lawrence of
Lodge, and brother Nicholas Han sen. On motion of brother D. G. Master, Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to examine the credentials of representatives attending this Grand Lodge from subordinate Lodges. 03
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
94
Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to examine the returns of subordinate Lodges. Brothers Hay, Hart, and Whitaker, were appointed a committee on the first, and brothers, Snow, Peebles, and Wattles, a committee on the second resolution. The Grand Secretary made the following report: The Grand Secretary reports, that during the vacation of the Grand Lodge, he has received the following communications, viz:
The proceedings
of the
the District of Columbia
;
Grand Lodge of Indiana
;
of
Kentucky; of
Tennessee ; North
Carolina, and Mississippi.
A
communication from the Grand Secretary of the of Kentucky, with a list of officers for the
Grand Lodge year 5825.
A communication from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio, with the proceedings of that Lodge in relation to certain communications from the Grand Lodges of New-Hampshire and New- York. A communication from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Tennessee, with a list of their officers for the year 5824 and 25, with their signatures. A communication from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, with a list of officers for the year 5825, with their signatures, and a request for information as to the formation and proceedings of this Grand Lodge; also a resolution passed by that Grand Lodge.
A
communication from the Grand Secretary of the of Virginia, with a list of officers and pro-
Grand Lodge ceedings, &c.
A
communication from Eden Lodge, No.
7.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
A
95
communication from C. C. Conway, M. of Western
Star Lodge at Kaskaskia, in relation to the resolution passed at the last communication of this Grand Lodge. A communication from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of the State of Mississippi, with a list of offi-
with their signatures. communication from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, with a list of officers for the year
cers for the year 5825,
A
5825, with their signatures. A communication from brother Philip Aglesworth, Worshipful Master, of Illion Lodge, No. 12, with a copy of the
proceedings of said Lodge, and a return of their dispensation.
An
A
application for a Charter at Kaskaskia. from the Grand Secretary of the Grand
letter
of the State of
letter
list officers
Lodge and proceed-
meeting in June, A. L. 5825.
ings, at their
A
New- York, with a
from brother D. G. Master, with
his accounts,
receipts, &c.
A
communication from the Grand Secretary of the of Missouri, in relation to the memorial
Grand Lodge
heretofore adopted by this Grand Lodge, to the Grand Lodge of Missouri in the case of E. C. Berry. And that he
has paid for postage on letters and pamphlets addressed to him as Grand Secretary, the sum of three dollars and thirty-five cents, as
near as he can
now
ascertain the same.
On motion
of brother Wattles,
Resolved,
That a committee of three be appointed
to
take under consideration the communications received dur-
ing the vacation of this Grand Lodge from other Grand Lodges. Ordered, That brothers, Wattles, Webb, and Mills, be that committee.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
96
On motion
of brother Snow, That a committee of three be appointed to take under consideration the communications received from individuals addressed to this Grand Lodge. Ordered, That brothers, Snow, Brown, and Peebles, be
Resolved,
that committee.
On motion
of brother West,
The following resolution was adopted: Whereas, the Grand Annual Communication of this M. Worshipful Grand Lodge, was not held in conformity with its by-laws; and whereas, an election of has not been held as by them contemplated
the provisions of
Grand
Officers,
:
Therefore, Resolved, That the bye-laws of this Grand Lodge be dispensed with, and that this Grand Lodge proceed to the election for
Grand
Officers for the
ensuing year to-morrow
evening.
On motion
of brother
Snow,
Resolved, That a committee of two be appointed to audit the Treasurer's account. Brothers,
Snow and West, were appointed
that commit-
tee.
A
from certain brethren residing in Pike, for a charter for a Lodge, to be loand Calhoun, Adams, cated at Atlas, was read and referred to the committee on reports from Lodges. The M. W. G. Lodge then adjourned 'till to-morrow petition
evening.
WM. WEDNESDAY
EVENING,,
H.
BEOWN,
JANUARY
4, A. L. 5826.
The M. W. Grand Lodge, assembled journment.
G. Secretary.
according to ad-
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
97
PRESENT.
M. W. JAMES HALL, G. M. M. W. S. BOND, P. G. M. E. W. HENRY H. SNOW, D. G. M. E. W. J. Y. SAWYER, G. S. W. E. W. T. C. BROWN, G. J. W. Pro tern. E. W. J. 0. WATTLES, G. Treasurer. E. W. B. MILLS, G. Secretary, Pro. tern. Brother JOSEPH ENOS, G. Tyler. Brothers, E.
H.
Peebles,
Webb
G. Webb, H. L. Webb,
A. Field, D. E. Cuyler, N. Buckmaster, 0. M. Eoss, Hay, Hart, H. I. Mills, H. Fellows, S. M'Eoberts, James,. Ewing, Owens, A. Prickett, members and visitors.
The committee
to
whom
was referred the credentials of
representatives from subordinate Lodges to this Grand Lodge, made the following report, which was concurred in
by the Grand Lodge The committee to whom were referred the credentials of representatives from subordinate Lodges under this Grand :
Lodge, beg leave to report that J. 0. Wattles is the representative of Palestine Lodge as their proxy; that John Whitaker is the representative of
Union Lodge, being Junior Warden thereof; that Wrn^H. Brown is the representative of Vandalia Lodge No. 5, as W. Master elect, and that Alexander Hart is the representative of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 4, as proxy of the W. Master thereof. The committee have to remark, that brother Wattles
is
appointed by the Lodge instead of the officers thereof ; that brother Brown has a certificate of election, and that brother Hart's credentials wants the seal of the
which
is
respectfully submitted.
W.
Master. All of
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
98
The committee to whom were referred the communicafrom other Grand Lodges, made the following report,
tions
which was read and concurred in
To
:
M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois The committee to whom were referred the communications from other Grand Lodges, respectfully report That since the last Annual Grand Communication, the the
:
following communications have been received, namely: Printed reports of the proceedings of the Grand Lodges of the District of Columbia, the States of Tennessee, Indiana, Mississippi, and North- Carolina, for the year 1824;
and of Kentucky, New- York, and Virginia, for the year 1825.
Communications
Grand
transmitting
the
signatures
of
the
Grand Lodges of New- York, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. A communication from the Grand Lodge of Ohio, transmitting their proceedings in relation to resolutions from the Grand Lodge of New-Hampshire and New- York, proposing the erection of a monument at Mount Vernon to the Officers of the
of our illustrious brother, G. Washington. communication from the Grand Lodge of Missouri,
memory
A
containing a report of their proceedings in the cases of brothers Wm. L. D. Ewing and E. C. Berry.
And a letter from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New- York. In the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, your committee find the following resolutions:
Grand Lodge recognize the M. W. and that brother Grand Secretary correspond with the said M. W. Grand Lodge, and transmit regularly an abstract of the proceedings of this Grand "Resolved,
Grand Lodge
Lodge.
That
this
of Illinois,
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
99
"Resolved, That any arrearages which may be due from any Lodge subordinate to this Grand Lodge, located in the State of Illinois, be, and the same are hereby remitted to said Lodge/'
Your committee, while they prise, that this
state with regret and surthe only acknowledgment of the receipt Lodge of the communications addressed to is
by any Grand them, and the only formal notice of recognition, cannot avoid expressing their sense of the candid and frank reception which our newly established Grand Lodge has met from our brethren in Kentucky, and their hope that this Grand Lodge will promptly acknowledge and reciprocate the brotherly feeling which has been thus evinced. They also find a very paternal letter from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of New- York, expressive of the surprise of the members of that Grand Lodge, at their not having received any communication from us of the causes and events which led to the establishment of this Masonic Institution, and requesting such information. This letter, in the opinion of your committee, is entitled to immediate attention, and should be referred for reply, to the suitable officers of the Grand Lodge, either to the Grand Master or
Grand
Secretary.
From us, it
the reports of several of the Grand Lodges before appears, that active exertions are in operation among
the craft, to obtain subscriptions for the erection of a Masonic Monument to the memory of Washington, and that several of the Grand Lodges of the TL S. have adopted
Your committee, in noticing cannot withhold the expression of their entire approbation of any measure which may evince our respect measures to
effect this object.
this subject,
for the virtues,
and
affection for the
name
of the illustrious
HI8TOEY OF FREEMASONRY.
100
whom we
have been proud to number among our and submit the further consideration thereof to brothers, the Grand Lodge. In reply to a memorial of this Grand Lodge to the Grand chief,
Lodge of Missouri,
Wm.
soliciting a re-consideration of the cases
Ewing and Elijah C. Berry, we have received an abstract of their proceedings, by which it appears, that brother Ewing has been restored to his Masonic privileges ; of
L. D.
but that in the opinion of that Grand Lodge, the case of E._ C. Berry does not merit a re-consideration. Your committee are
aware of the delicacy of a further interference on
our part in relation to this subject; but they cannot pass it over without remarking, that they are far from feeling satisfied, either with the decision of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, or with the reasons upon which that decision seems to be grounded. It will be for the Grand Lodge to
decide whether any, and if any, what further steps should be taken in this affair.
The rest of the communications before us, contain only the ordinary reports and interchanges of Masonic information, none of which seem to demand any particular notice from
this committee.
A
communication from E. C. Berry, was presented and read, and On motion of brother Wattles, it was Ordered, That the said communication with the accompanying documents be referred to a committee of three. Ordered, That the committee consist of brothers Wattles,
West, and T. C. Brown. of brother D. G. Master,
On motion
Resolved, That all members of this Grand Lodge shall be entitled to only one vote as such, and one as representative from subordinate Lodges when serving as such.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded
to ballot for officers of
Grand Lodge
for the ensuing year ; persons were declared duly elected. JAMES HALL, M. W. G. M.
the
101
when the following
JOHN Y. SAWYER, R. W. G. S. W. BENJAMIN MILLS, R. W. G. J. W. WM. H. BROWN, R. W. G. S. JAMES
0.
WATTLES, R. W. G. T.
On motion
of brother J. 0. Wattles, Resolved, That the installation of the officers elect, take
place on to-morrow evening.
Ordered, That this Grand Lodge stand adjourned until
to-morrow evening at 7
o'clock.
BENJAMIN MILLS, M. W. GRAND LODGE, JANUARY
The Grand Lodge opened pursuant
5,
G. S. Pro. tern.
A. L. 5826.
to adjournment.
PRESENT.
The same
officers
and members as
addition of brother Richard
brother
Wm. H.
I.
last evening,
Hamilton, brother
with the
Webb and
Brown, Grand Secretary.
The Grand Lodge was then dispensed with, and a Lodge of Past Masters opened, when the following Grand Offiwere duly installed, viz Brother JAMES HALL, M. W. G. M. " JOHN Y. SAWYER, R. W. G. S. W. " BENJAMIN MILLS, R. W. G. J. W. " JAMES 0. WATTLES, R. W. G. Treasurer. " WILLIAM H. BROWN, R. W. G. Secretary.
cers,
R.
:
By the M. W. Shadrach Bond, P. G. M. aided by the W. D. G. M. Henry H. Snow; when the Lodge of Past
Master Masons was dispensed with, and a Lodge of Master
102
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
Masons opened, the Grand
in
Officers
their
respective
places.
On motion of brother Wattles, Resolved, That a Grand Orator be appointed to deliver an address to this Grand Lodge and the public, at the next annual communication of this Grand Lodge. On motion of brother G. J. Warden, Resolved, That a committee be appointed to enquire what articles are necessary to be procured for the use of this Grand Lodge, and that they report to-morrow evening. Ordered, That brothers, B. Mills, Wattles, and Hamilton, be that committee.
The M. W.
G. Lodge then adjourned
till
to-morrow even-
ing at 7 o'clock.
M. W. GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, JANUARY A. L.
6,
5826.
PRESENT.
M. W. JAMES HALL, G. M. E. W. HENRY H. SNOW, D. G. M. E. W. JOHN YORK SAWYER, G. S. W.
W. BENJAMIN MILLS, G. J. W. W. JAMES 0. WATTLES, G. T. E. W. WM. H. BROWN, G. S.
B.
E.
Brother E. H. PEEBLES, G. S. D. " 0. M. Eoss, G. J. D. pro. " G. JOSEPH
ENOS,
tern.
Tyler.
Visiting brothers, Jotham Jayne, A. Philleo. The E. W. G. J. Warden, from the committee appointed last evening, to ascertain what articles are necessary for the
use of this Grand Lodge, made a report, which was concurred in. The G. J. W. also presented an engraved seal,
and the following note
:
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
103
Horatio Ball, begs leave to present to the members of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, an engraved seal, which he forwards by J. 0. Wattles, Esq. (Signed) Vandalia, January
HORATIO BALL. 6,
1826.
On motion
of brother Mills, Resolved, That the thanks of this
Grand Lodge be
pre-
sented to brother Horatio Ball, for the seal presented this Grand Lodge, and the same be adopted as the seal thereof.
On motion
of brother Wattles,
That any fees due by brother Ball to this Grand Lodge, if any there be, be and the same are remitted. Brother Wattles, from the committee to whom was reResolved,
ferred the reports of subordinate lodges,
made
the follow-
ing report: That the following Lodges, to- wit Olive Branch, Union, Vandalia, Palestine, Greene, Hiram, Illion, and Frontier, have made their annual reports to the Grand Lodge, which :
appear satisfactory to the committee so far as a disposition to conform to our regulations, and the rules of Masonry is manifested.
But your committee
feel constrained to say,
that in several of the communications there
is
much
inac-
curacy, and a failure to comply with all the regulations of the bye-laws, and on the part of the several Lodges, a total neglect to comply with their provisions, either by making their reports or sending their dues. But your committee
believing this neglect to be
more owing
to a
want of
in-
formation on the part of delinquent Lodges than to wilful neglect, beg leave to offer the following resolution
:
Resolved, That brother Henry H. Snow, be appointed an agent on the part of this Grand Lodge, whose duty it shall be to visit all the subordinate Lodges, to introduce a uni-
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
104
form mode of working; to examine the bye-laws and proceedings of each Lodge; to settle the accounts of each, with the Grand Lodge, and receive the balances due, and make report at the next Grand Annual Communication. Which report and resolution, was concurred in. On motion of brother Snow, Resolved, That this Grand Lodge disapproves of a resolution adopted in Olive Branch Lodge No. 4, on the day of their last election, allowing visiting brethren to vote in said election.
The following appointments were made by
the
Grand
Master: Brother "
" "
" "
HENRY H. SNOW, D. G. M. EGBERT H. PEEBLES, G. S. D. ERASTUS BROWN, G. J. D. E. J. WEST, G. Marshal. GUY W. SMITH, G. S. B.
CHARLES DUNN, G. HART FELLOWS and JOHN WHITEAKER,
"
JOSEPH ENOS, G.
"
BENJAMIN MILLS,
Pursuivant. )
[
G. Stewarts. (Stewards.)
Tyler. G. Orator.
in the third degree of Masonry was disa Lodge of Past Master Masons opened, and pensed with, when brothers, Snow, Whiteaker, and Enos, were duly installed in their respective offices. The Lodge of Past Master Masons was then dispensed with, and the Lodge in the third degree of Masonry resumed; when the Grand Lodge adjourned 'till to-morrow evening, at 7 o'clock. WM. H. BKOWN", G. Secretary.
The Lodge
105
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
JANUARY
7, A. L.
5826.
The M. W. Grand Lodge opened pursuant
to adjourn-
ment.
PRESENT.
M. W. JAMES HALL, G. M. R. M. HENRY SNOW, D. G. M. R. W. R. I. HAMILTON, G. S. W. Pro.
W. BENJAMIN MILLS, G. J. W. R. W. JAMES 0. WATTLES, G. T. R. W. WM. BROWN, G. S. Brother J. WHITEAKER, G. J. D. Pro. E. J. WEST, G. M.
tern.
R.
tern.
Visiting brethren and members, S. M'Roberts, C. Slade, Diamond, and James. Brother Snow, from the committee to whom was referred the communications from individuals, made the following report, which was concurred in:
To the M. W. Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois: The committee to whom were referred the communications from individuals addressed to this Grand Lodge, have had under consideration a communication from the Worshipful Master of Western Star Lodge No. 107, together with a petition from a number of Master Masons, residing in and near the town of Kaskaskia, praying for letters of dispensation ; and beg leave to make the following report The object of the communication is, to ask from this Grand Lodge a charter of constitution. It appears from documents in possession of your committee, that T. J. V. Owen, is an officer of Western Star Lodge, No. 107; and that he is also recommended as one of the officers of the :
proposed Lodge.
Conceiving
it
incompatible with the gen-
106
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
and contrary to the inculcated in the book of constitutions, that a principles Mason should be a member of more than one Lodge at the eral regulations of our institution,
same time; your committee beg leave to
offer the follow-
ing resolution: Resolved, That the prayer of the petitioners) from Kaskaskia praying for a dispensation or charter, ought not to
be granted.
Brother West, from the committee to
whom
was referred
the memorial of E. C. Berry, made the following report, accompanied with a resolution:
The committee to whom was referred the petition of E. C. Berry, with the accompanying documents, report That after a careful examination of the subject, they have arrived at the conclusion which they are about to sub-
Your committee are fully aware of the delicacy with which the decision of a neighboring Grand Lodge, deserves to be treated, and of the impropriety of adhering with too much pertinacity to our opinions. But from all the documents before them, they cannot but believe, that the petitioner had been treated unkindly in being denied a reconsideration of proceedings, which seem to them, to have been irregular; and when it is recollected that the effect of this denial, is to brand the character of the petitioner with disgrace, and to exclude him forever from his Masonic privileges, they feel it a duty incumbent on them, to advise another effort on the part of this Grand Lodge, in his behalf. In making this recommendation, your committee have taken into consideration, the high standing of the petitioner as a citizen; his unblemished reputation as a man, and the entire absence of any offence in his Masonic or private deportment, other than that now under discus-
mit.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
107
A
character so fair (in all other respects,) entitles the petitioner to an indulgent hearing on this occasion, and the sacredness of his situation as the head of a numerous sion.
him an imposing
claim, as well upon the jussympathy of his brethren. Your committee, therefore, while they freely disclaim any right, on the part of this Grand Lodge, to condemn the proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, or any intention on their part so to do; and while they cheerfully concede the principle,
family, gives
tice as the
Grand Lodge over the subject and sovereign, believe that the case of E. C. Berry, imperiously calls for some further exertion in his behalf by this Grand Lodge. They therefore recommend that the jurisdiction of that
matter
is sole
the adoption of the following resolution : Resolved, That a committee of two be appointed, whose duty it shall be to correspond with the Grand Lodge of
Missouri upon the subject of the proceedings of the Vandalia Lodge and that Grand Lodge, in the case of E. C. Berry, to explain to them the views of this Grand Lodge, and to ask for such relief as they may deem right, and that Grand Lodge may be willing to concede.
Which
report and resolution was adopted. Ordered, That brothers, Sawyer and West, be that com-
mittee.
On
motion of brother Brown,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take into consideration the application of brother John Diamond, for relief,
and report on Monday evening. That brothers Snow and Whiteaker, be that
Ordered, committee.
Brother Snow, from the committee to
whom
were
re-
ferred the reports of subordinate Lodges, and the applica-
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
108
tion of brethren residing in and near the county of Pike, for a charter, made a report that the prayer of the petitioners ought to be granted; which report was concurred in.
On motion of brother
West,
Resolved, That the R.
Grand Lodge,
be,
and he
W. Grand is
Secretary of the M. W. hereby required to deliver over
by this Grand Lodge to correwith the Grand spond Lodge of Missouri in case of E. C.
to the committee appointed
the papers, records and documents relative and that the committee return the same to this thereto; Grand Lodge, together with the correspondence, and report at its next Grand Annual Communication. The Grand Lodge then adjourned until Tuesday even-
Berry,
all
ing, at 7 o'clock.
WM.
H.
BROWN,
TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY
The M. W. Grand Lodge of to
G. Secretary.
10, A. L. 5826.
Illinois
convened pursuant
adjournment. PRESENT.
M. W. JAMES HALL, G. M. R. W. J. Y. SAWYER, G. S. W. R. R.
W. BENJAMIN MILLS, G. J. W. W. WM. H. BROWN, G. Secretary.
Brother R. H.- PEEBLES, G. S. D. " 0. M. Ross, G. J. D. pro. " G.
tern.
JOSEPH ENOS,
Tyler. Visiting brethren and members, brothers Webb, Philips,
Whiteaker, West, D. Prickett, Wright, Ball, Newhall, Wilton, D. Blackwell, and T. C. Browne.
The committee
to
whom was
referred the application of
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829. brother John
Diamond
cant was worthy of
109
for relief, reported that the applibut from the situation of the
relief,
funds of this Grand Lodge, they reported the following which was adopted Resolved, That a private subscription be opened for the
resolution,
relief of
:
our said brother John, Diamond, and that the this Grand Lodge, and other Masons, be re-
members of
quested to aid to the relief of brother Diamond. Brother Snow from the committee on subordinate
Lodges, made the following report, which was accompanied with a resolution :
The committee
to
whom
were referred the returns of
subordinate Lodges, beg leave to report That the dispensations granted Illion Lodge No. 12, and Frontier Lodge No. 13, in the recess, have been returned, together with their bye-laws, and copies of their proceedThat they received their ings under that dispensation. dispensations and acted under them for the first time on the 3d day of December 1825 ; and that their bye-laws and proceedings appear to have been correct, and strictly con-
formable to Masonic usage, with one exception. It is the opinion of your committee, that the brethren of that Lodge, have advanced candidates from one degree to another, and
much rapidity; thereby leavtime, either to become acquainted with the
even for initiation, with too ing too
little
lectures in the preceding degree, or for a strict enquiry into the character of the applicants. They therefore, beg leave to offer the following resolution :
Resolved,
That
this
Grand Lodge disapproves
of the
practice of advancing candidates to any degree until they shall have acquired a competent knowledge of the preced-
ing degree.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
110 Resolved,
That a charter be granted
No. 13, and Illion Lodge No.
to Frontier
Lodge
12.
Which resolution was adopted and the report agreed to. The petition of brother George Webb, praying an investigation into certain charges preferred by brother Webb against brother James 0. Wattles, for unmasonic conduct, .was read, and, On motion of brother G. S. Warden, Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be required to furnish brother Wattles a copy of the charges preferred
against
him by brother George Webb, and
that a
summons
issue against brother Wattles requiring him to appear before the next regular Annual Communication of this
Grand Lodge,
to answer the charges aforesaid, preferred
by
brother Webb.
On motion
of brother Brown,
Resolved, That a charter be granted to Illion Lodge No. 12, and Frontier Lodge No. 13, upon payment of the sum
due by the bye-laws for the issuing of a charter with the due the officers for the dispensation and charters of
fees
those Lodges respectively. On motion of brother Mills, and
amended by brother
West, Resolved, That so much of the 8th section of the byelaws of this Grand Lodge, as requires the payment of one dollar
from visiting brethren, and that from and
be,
and the same
is
hereby
after the adoption of this resolution, seventy-five cents only shall be exacted only in lieu of that sum in that part of tiie bye-laws of this M. W.
repealed,
Grand Lodge, hereby
On motion Resolved,
repealed, mentioned. of brother Snow,
That brother Grand Secretary cause
to
be
Ill
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
printed the constitution and bye-laws of this Grand Lodge, and a copy of the proceedings of the present Grand Annual Communication, and to transmit a copy of the same to
each of the Grand Lodges in the United States, and of the British Provinces of North America, to each of our subordinate Lodges, and to each of our Grand Officers.
On
motion,
That the Grand Secretary be authorized to of brother Grand Tyler for his services the account pay and necessaries furnished this Grand Lodge at its present Resolved,
Grand Annual Communication. Resolved, That the thanks of
this
M. W. Grand Lodge,
be presented to the Honorable Senate for the accommodation furnished this Grand Lodge in the use of their chamber,
during the present Grand Annual Communication.
No it
further business appearing before the Grand Lodge, was closed in peace and harmony. WILLIAM H. BROWN", Grand Secretary.
Sir
and Brother
stitution
I
herewith transmit to you the Con-
and Bye-Laws of the Grand Lodge
of this State,
together with the proceedings thereof, at the last Special
Communication. Respectfully and Fraternally, Yours,
WM.
H.
BROWN,
Address of the Grand Secretary, WM. H. BROWN, Vandalia,
Illinois.
Grand
Secretary.
yr PROCEEDINGS OP THE
/"
BEGUN AND HELD AT THE TOWN OF VAND ALIA, ON THE THIRD DAY OF DECEMBER, A. L. 5826.
PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE LODGE.
KASKASKIA. ILLINOIS.PRINTED BY
L. O.
1827.
SHBADER
PEOCEEDINGS. At the regular Communication of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois, opened at the State House in the town of Vandalia, in the State of Illinois, on Monday, the 3d day of December, A. L. 5826, Present,
M. W. James Hall, G. M. M. W. Shradrach Bond, P. G. M. W. Guy W. Smith, G. S. W. pro E. W. Benjamin Mills, G. J. W. E. W. William H. Brown, G. S.
R
tern.
Bro. E. H. Peebles, G. S. D. Thomas Reynolds, G. J. D. pro tern.
Joseph Enos, G. Tyler.
Members and
Visitors.
Brothers
Thomas
J.
McGuire,
of Libanus Lodge; Thomas J. V. Owen, John Lacey, of Western Star Lodge; Philip Aylesworth, of Illion Lodge,
No. 12; Samuel C. Pierce, of Greene Lodge, No. 11; David Pricket, of Libanus Lodge; Alexander F. Grant, of Palestine Lodge, No. 10; Thomas James and Jesse W. Cooper.
The M. W. P.
M. presented a petition from Western which was read; and, On motion of Brother T. Reynolds, was ordered to lie G.
Star Lodge, at Kaskaskia,
on the
table.
On
motion, Ordered, That a committee be appointed to examine the credentials of delegates, and the returns from subordinate Lodges. Brothers G. W. Smith, Peebles and Aylesworth were appointed that committee. 115
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
116
The committee, who was appointed at the last regular meeting of this Grand Lodge to request of the Grand of Missouri a rehearing in the case of E. C. Berry, presented to this Grand Lodge a letter from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, with their pro-
Lodge
ceedings in the premises ; which were read. The Grand Lodge then adjourned until to-morrow even-
ing at 7 o'clock.
W. H. BROWN, Tuesday Evening, Dec.
4,
G. S.
A. L. 5826.
Present,
The same Grand Officers as on yesterday. Members and Visitors. Brothers Thomas
Wm.
J.
V. Owen,
B. Archer, T. J. McGuire, A. Prickett, Joel Wright,
S. Smith, Thomas James, Bowling Greene, J. W. Cooper, David Prickett, J. Lacey, J. Warnock, S. C. Pierce
J.
and N. Sanburn. to whom was referred the certificates, refrom the Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, made the following report, which was con-
The committee
turns, etc.,
curred in:
"The committee to whom was referred the certificates, from subordinate Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, report that they have had before them the bye-laws of Illion Lodge, No. 12 ; that they have read them, and deem them satisfactory, and in accordance returns, etc.,
with the usages of Masonry. "They have also had the returns from Illion Lodge, No. 12; Greene Lodge, No. 11, and Palestine Lodge, No. 10 r
which axe in form. "They also find from
certificates
produced, that Brothers
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
117
Grant and Smith are appointed representatives from Palestine Lodge, No. 10; Brother S. C. Pierce, from Greene Lodge, No. 11, all of which are respectfully submitted to this Grand Lodge."
The Grand Secretary laid before the Grand Lodge diverse communications received by him since the last meeting of this Grand Lodge, which, On motion of Brother G. J. Warden, Were referred to a select committee. Brothers G. J. Warden, Pierce and Grant were appointed that committee by the M. W. G. Master.
Brother Hall introduced the following resolution: "Resolved, That JUJ-jab^C/. Berry be, and he is hereby, restored to the privileges of Masonry." On motion, Ordered, That said resolution
lie
upon the
table.
On motion, the following resolution was adopted: "Resolved, That on Monday evening next the Grand Lodge
will proceed to the election of
Grand
Officers for
the ensuing year."
The Grand Lodge then adjourned
till
Saturday evening
at 7 o'clock.
W. H. BROWN, M. W. Grand Lodge, Dec.
G. S.
11, A. L. 5826.
There not being a quorum present on Saturday evening, which time the M. W. Grand Lodge was adjourned, the M. W. Grand Master adjourned the same until this time, when it was opened pursuant to adjournment. to
Present.
M. W. James Hall, G. M. R. W. Guy W. Smith, G. S. W. pro
tern.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
118 E. E.
W. Benjamin Mills, G. W. William H. Brown,
J.
W.
G. S.
Brothers E. H. Peebles, G. S. D. Thomas Eeynolds, G. J. D. pro tern. Joseph Enos, G. Tyler. Eepresentatives from Subordinate Lodges.
Philip Aylesworth, W. M., Illion Lodge, No. 12. G. W. Smith and A. F. Grant, of Palestine Lodge,
No.
10.
Harry Wilton, W. M., of Eden Lodge, No. 7. Wm. H. Brown, W. M., of Vandalia Lodge, No.
5.
Albion Lodge, No. 9. B. W. Brooks, W. M., of Union Lodge, No. 6. Visiting Brethren Henry I. Mills, T. J. McGuire,
George Webb,
S. W., of
Wm.
Thomas James, John Ewing, Jesse James Turney, Bowling Greene, John Lacey and
B. Archer, D. Hay, Griggs,
Abner
Field.
On
motion, Resolved, That so
with as to permit
much
of the by-laws be dispensed
officers of
subordinate Lodges
now
pres-
ent to take their seats, and that members of this Grand Lodge who have not paid their dues shall be permitted to vote in this Grand Lodge.
On motion of Brother Aylesworth, Resolved, That all diplomas issued to individuals from any Lodge subordinate to this Grand Lodge shall emanate from and be under the seal of this Grand Lodge, and that Grand Secretary be required to procure one hundred
the
diplomas, to be distributed
among
the subordinate Lodges.
A
communication was received from the E. W. D. G. Master, which was read.
The Grand Lodge then proceeded
to consider the reso-
119
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
lution in relation to E. C. Berry, and after some time spent therein, the further consideration thereof was postponed until to-morrow evening. The petition of the officers of
Western Star Lodge was
taken up, and
On motion
of Brother
Thomas Eeynolds,
the following
was adopted: Resolved, That the M. W. Grand Master, when he shall be satisfied that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has consented for Western Star Lodge to surrender its warrant, and become a subordinate of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, shall direct a warrant to be issued! authorizing such brethren as shall be recommended by Western Star Lodge to be installed as officers, and open and hold a Lodge under the authority of the Grand Lodge of Illinois; and that such warrant be issued gratis, except the Grand Secretary's resolution
fee for
making out the same.
Brother T. J. McGuire presented an account for printing the proceedings of this Grand Lodge in the year 1824, a balance of $8.45 being yet due.
On
motion, Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer pay the same out of any moneys in his hands belonging to this Grand
Lodge.
The committee
to which were referred the communicafrom Grand Lodges in correspondence with this Grand Lodge, made the following report and resolutions, which were concurred in and adopted "The committee to whom was referred the communications from other Grand Lodges, having attentively considtions received
:
ered the subject submitted to them, respectfully report : "That the state of Masonry, as exhibited by the report of
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
120
the proceedings of the various Grand Lodges submitted to this committee, presents the most flattering and encourag-
ing prospects. These are discernible in the augmented evidences of intelligence with which many of these reports are fraught, and the numerous indications of the cultivation of the mild affections, apparent in the manner in which controversies are conducted upon matters in dispute, which have arisen between some of the Grand Lodges in correspondence with this Grand Lodge. Your com-
mittee have noticed with peculiar concern and solicitude, a determination expressed by the Grand Lodge of the State of Maine, in relation to certain changes in the
mode
of administering the Masonic degrees; and have perused, with great satisfaction, the enlightened correspondence
upon this subject, between that Lodge and the Grand Lodge of the State of Pennsylvania. After the most careful investigation of the principles and ancient usages of Masonry in
this respect, they
cannot
resist the conclusion
that the change proposed by the Grand Lodge of Maine, would be a violation of immemorial Masonic usages, for
which they have in vain sought a justification in the emergency of the case, or the necessities of the order. Improvements in Masonry cannot be expected from any change in its mysteries, but are the legitimate result of a successful cultivation of the moral virtues. Your committee are also constrained to remark that they viewed with peculiar regret the latitude and freedom of expression in which the
Grand Lodge of Maine thought proper
communication; they are well aware that treatises contain many expressions which Masonic approved the mind from which "the veil has been removed" convey to full ideas upon the subjects of which they treat, but to the
to clothe their
121
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
which they have These
uninitiated, "it is a world of darkness in
no clue
to conduct
them
to the fountain of truth."
remarks, your committee beg leave to observe, proceed only from the kindest and best feelings, and what they consider an imperative regard to the most important interests of
Masonry, and not from any disposition to find cause of wanton complaint with the proceedings of the Grand
Lodge of Maine, with whom spirit of Masonic intercourse "Your committee discover Grand Lodge of New Jersey
they desire to cultivate the
and friendship. in the proceedings of the
a proposition to abolish the
publishing printed lists of expulsions, susrejections by the Lodges within whose jurisdictions such cases occur, and concurring with that Grand
practice
of
pensions and
cannot in any wise promote the benefit of the is uncongenial with its principles 'that the
Lodge that
it
institution
and
and imperfections of an unworthy or a should be registered in a catalogue' brother thoughtless and published to the world, recommend the adoption of a frailities,
vices,
similar resolution by this Grand Lodge. "In the proceedings of the remaining
whose reports were submitted to
Grand Lodges
this committee, with the
exception of that of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, in which the attention of this Grand Lodge is particularly invited
committee find nothing ^E.__C._Berry, your which claims the^ peculiar attention of this Grand Lodge;
to the case of
they, therefore,
resolutions
recommend the adoption
of the following
:
"Resolved,
That the Grand Lodge
of
Maine be
respect-
fully requested to reconsider the resolution adopted by them on the 8th of January, 1824, proposing a new mode in
which the degrees of Masonry may be conferred.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
122
"Resolved, That in due observance of the principles of Masonry, and the ancient usages of our order, this Grand
Lodge
feel themselves
bound
to refuse to recognize any
person as a Mason known to be initiated in the manner proposed by the Grand Lodge of Maine.
That the present practice of reporting expulsions, suspensions and rejections, in all cases by the different Grand Lodges to each other, is unnecessary, and should be abolished, and that this Grand Lodge will hereafter report no such expulsion, suspension or rejection, until it has been decided in the Grand Lodge that the flagrancy of the particular case demands it." The Grand Lodge then went into the election of Grand Officers for the ensuing year, and upon counting the bal"Resolved,
lots it
appeared that
Guy W. Smith was
M. W. G. Master. Benjamin Mills, E. W. G. S. Warden. Philip Aylesworth, E. W. G. J. Warden. John Warnock, E. W. G. Secretary. Eobert H. Peebles, E. W. G. Treasurer. The Grand Lodge in the third degree was then dispensed with, and E. W. Philip Aylesworth was duly installed in ample form by the M. W. Master, when, The Grand Lodge was adjourned until to-morrow evenelected
ing at 7 o'clock.
W. H. BROWN. M. W. Grand Lodge, Dec.
12, A. L. 5826.
The Grand Lodge was opened pursuant Present
:
M. W. James Hall, G. M. E.
W.
G.
W. Smith,
G. S.
W. pro
tern.
G. S.
\
$
to adjournment.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
W. B. Mills, G. J. W. pro W. W. H. Brown, G. Sec. Bro. T. Eeynolds, G. J. W. E.
123
tern.
E.
Bro. E. H. Peebles, G. J. D.
Bro. Joseph Enos, G. Tyler.
The same
representatives
from Lodges as on the
pre-
ceding evening, Bro. Peebles acting as the proxy of Bro. Aylesworth. Visiting Brethren
F. Hollman,,J.
M. Duncan, Bowling
Greene, Bro. Hunsaker, H. I. Mills, James Turney. The Grand Lodge then proceeded to consider the resolution in the case of E. C. Berry, and adopted the same as follows, to wit:
In the Affirmative Palestine Lodge, Eden Lodge, Albion Lodge, Union Lodge, Grand Master, Bros. Smith, I. Mills, James Turney. Vandalia Lodge, Benjamin Mills, W. H. Brown, E. H. Peebles and Joseph Enos. Before this vote was taken, a communication from E.C. Berry was received and read.
Eeynolds, Duncan, In the Negative
Bro.
Webb
Henry
%
olution,
Grand Lodge a statement in and submitted the following res-
laid before the
relation to Albion Lodge,
which was adopted:
Resolved, That Bro.
Henry
I.
Mills take charge of the
furniture of Albion Lodge;
that the Secretary of said is to deliver all records and papers into Lodge required his hands, and he is hereby authorized to settle with the
former Treasurer, and collect all moneys due said Lodge, and pay them over to the order of the M. W. G. Master. Resolved, That the operations of Albion Lodge, No. 9, be, and they are hereby, suspended. The Grand Lodge in the third degree was then dispensed
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
124
and opened in the fourth degree, when the M. W. Master-elect, Bro. Guy W. Smith; the R. W. Grand Senior Warden-elect, Bro. Benjamin Mills, and the R. W. Robert H. Peebles, Grand Treasurer-elect, were installed into their respective offices, in ample form, by the M. W. Grand Master, James Hall. The Grand Lodge in the fourth degree was then dispensed with, and the Lodge in the third degree resumed, with,
Grand
when The Grand Lodge adjourned
until
Monday evening next, W. H. BROWN, G. S.
at 7 o'clock.
GRAND LODGE OF
ILLINOIS,
Dec. 20, A. L. 5826.
There not being a quorum at the time, the Grand Lodge the same was adjourned by the M. W. Grand Master till this time, when it was opened pursuant stood adjourned; to
adjournment. Present
:
M. W. Guy W. Smith, G. M. R. W. Benjamin Mills, G. S. W.
W. JDavid Blackwell. G. J. W. pro tern. W. 3iakm. H. Brown, G. S. pro tern. R. W. Robert H. Peebles, G. Treasurer. Bro. Thomas Reynolds, G. J. D. pro tern.
R.
R.
Joseph Enos, G. Tyler. Visiting Brethren Thomas James and Ossian M. Ross. The petition of John Gillmore, of Pike County, Illinois, was read, and,
On motion The The
of Bro. G. S. W.,
said petition was laid upon the table. petition of sundry brethren residing at Fever River,
for a charter for a
Lodge at that
Frontier Lodge, was received, and,
place,
recommended by
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
On motion
125
of Bro. Mills,
Keferred to a select committee. Ordered,,
That Bros.
Mills, Reynolds,
and Brown be that
committee.
The return
of Frontier Lodge, No. 13,
was received and
referred to the committee on reports from Lodges. Bros. Wattles and H. I. Mills were added to the com-
mittee on reports from Lodges. The letter and documents of George Webb, in support of his charges against Bro. Wattles, were laid before the
Lodge, and referred, to a select committee, consisting of Bros. Hall, Eeynolds and Brown. The W. Master, in pursuance of an order of Vandalia
Lodge, No. 5, surrendered the charter of said Lodge, which was received.
On motion
of Bro. Brown, That a committee be appointed to examine Resolved, the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary, the accounts of thereof at the next meeting of the Grand and make report
Lodge. Ordered, That Bros. G. S. W., Ossian M. Ross and Hall be that committee.
No
further business appearing, the
Grand Lodge was
adjourned until Monday evening next.
W. H. BROWN,
G. S. pro
tern.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
126
M. W.
GRAND LODGE OF
ILLINOIS,
Jan.
1,
A. L.
5827.
The Grand Lodge was opened pursuant Present
to
adjournment.
:
M. W. Benjamin
Mills, G. M. pro tern. W. Jennings, G. S. W. pro tern. R. W. Ossian M. Ross, G. J. W. pro tem. R. W. Alexander F. Grant, G. S. pro tem. R. W. R. H. Peebles, G. Treasurer. Bro. Thomas Reynolds, G. J. D. pro tem.
R.
Bro. Joseph Enos, G. Tyler. Visiting Brethren Abrm. Prickett, J. 0. Wattles, D. Hay, J. Y. Sawyer, E. J. West, N. Hansen, R. I. Hamilton,
James Hall, H.
I.
Mills,
Bowling Greene, John Lacey,
Thomas J. McGuire and Abner Field. Bro. Hansen produced his credentials sent LaFayette Lodge, Lodge, both of which,
On motion
as proxy to repre-
and submitted the report of
said
of Bro. Wattles, were referred to the commiton reports from subordinate Lodges to this Lodge. The M. W. G. Master submitted the petition of sundry brethren, representing their intention to form a new Lodge in the Township of Shawneetown, in the County of Gallatin, to be called Cincinnatus, and praying for a dispensation or warrant of constitution from this Grand Lodge. And on motion of Bro. Reynolds, Leave was granted the petitioners to withdraw their petition, because it did not appear they had settled their accounts with the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, to which they had formerly been a subordinate Lodge, and that they were not recommended by a Lodge subordinate to this Grand Lodge. Ordered, also, that the Grand Secretary inform the petitioners of such reasons. tee
127
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
Bro. Peebles, from the committee to which was referred the report of Frontier Lodge, No. 13, reported as follows 'Tour committee, to which was referred the report of :
Frontier Lodge, No. 13, beg leave to report, that they have examined the minutes of the proceedings of said Lodge, and find that they have been in accordance with the constitution
and by-laws of
this
Grand Lodge and the no return
principles of Masonry, except that there has been of their by-laws."
Which
report was, on motion, laid on the table. Bro. Eeynolds, from the committee to which was referred the charges exhibited against Bro. Wattles, by Bro. Webb, begged leave to report at the next grand annual com-
munication, which was granted.
M. W. Grand Master pro tern, announced the following appointments by the M. W. Grand Master :
Bro. Bro. Bro.
Bro. Bro.
Thomas Reynolds, Deputy Grand Master. B. W. Brooks, Grand Senior Deacon. Harry Wilton, Grand Junior Deacon. A. B. Dake, Grand Marshal. Sheldon Lockwood, Grand Sword Bearer.
Bro. Joel Phelps, Grand Pursuivant. Bro. Samuel C. Pierce and Grand Stewards. Bro. Frederick Hollman, j-
Bro. Joseph Enos,
Bro.
James
On motion
Grand
Tyler.
Hall,. Grand-Piator-
of Bro. Wattles,
Ordered, That the committee to which was referred the petition of sundry brethren on Fever River be discharged
from the further consideration thereof, and that a charter be issued by this Grand Lodge agreeable to the prayer of said petitioners. On motion of Bro. Wattles,
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
128
Ordered, That the committee, to which were referred the Hansen and the report of La Fayette Lodge, be discharged from the further consideration therecertificate of Bro.
of,
and that Bro. Hansen be recognized as the deputy of
said Lodge.
On motion
of Bro. Wattles,
The vote on the disposition of the petition of the brethren at Shawneetown was reconsidered, and, on his motion, the rules were dispensed with, and a charter ordered to be issued agreeable to the prayer of said petitioners. No further business being before the Grand Lodge, it was adjourned until Wednesday evening next at six o'clock.
ALEX
F.
GRANT, G.
GRAND LODGE OF ILLINOIS, TV
S.
Jan.
pro tem. 3,
5827.
There not being a quorum of the Grand Lodge, the same by the M. W. Master until
as adjourned
JANUARY when
the same was
23, 5827.
opened in due form pursuant to
adjournment. Present.
M. W. James Hall, G. M. pro tem. E. W. John Warnock, G. S. W. pro tem. R. W. Ossian M. Ross, G. J. W. pro tem. R. W. Robert H. Peebles, G. Treasurer. R.
W. Thomas Reynolds, G. J. D. pro tem. Henry I. Mills, Samuel McRoberts, John M.
Brethren
Robinson and Bowling Greene. On motion of Bro. D. G. Master, the following resolution was adopted "Resolved, That Bro. James Hall be, and he is hereby, :
authorized to install the
Lodge."
first officers
of the Cincinnatus
129
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
On motion adopted
of Bro. B. Mills, the following resolution
was
:
"Resolved, That the Grand Treasurer be authorized to discharge the dues of this Grand Lodge to Bro. Grand Tyler, for tyling at this Grand Annual Communication." On motion of Bro. E. H. Peebles, it was ordered,
"That the Grand Secretary be directed to cause the journal of the proceedings of the Grand Lodge at its present session, as soon as they may be printed, to be distributed, one copy to each subordinate Lodge, one copy to each member of this Grand Lodge, and one copy to each Grand Lodge in the United States, and to such other Lodges as may bein correspondence with us."
The committee on ing
first
"The
reports from subordinate Lodges, havobtained leave, made the following report committee on reports from subordinate Lodges:
have examined the proceedings of Hiram Lodge, and re-port they are in accordance with the constitution and byelaws of this Grand Lodge, and the principles of Masonry.'"
On motion
Benjamin Mills, it was That Bro. Henry H. Snow be authorized to install the first officers of the Lodge at Fever Eiver." The Grand Lodge in the third degree was then dispensed with andi opened in the fourth, when the E. W. Thomas Eeynolds was duly installed in ample form by the M. W. G. M. pro tern, and the E. W. John Warnock was of Bro.
"Resolved,
duly installed.
There being no further business, the Grand Lodge was then duly closed in peace and harmony.
JOHN WARNOCK,
G. Sec'y.
THE WESTERN STAR LODGE,
No.
.
Having traced the history of Grand Lodge from its orDecember 9, 1822, to its last known communication, January 23, 1827, we now take up the record of "The Western Star Lodge, No. ," under warrant from Grand Lodge of Illinois, bearing date "14th day of Febru-
ganization,
ary, A. L. 5827, A. D. 1827."
Our "ancient" brethren were not such
sticklers for
law
and regulations as we "moderns," for it was then believed that a Lodge could hold under any Grand Lodge which would grant it a charter, though there was a Grand Lodge in its own State. That doctrine was even held for many years after the formation of our present Grand Lodge, several Grand Lodges, including Missouri and Wisconsin, having chartered Lodges in Illinois as late as 1846, and Grand Lodge of Missouri maintained a District Deputy Grand Master in this State until about the same date. The facts are that it was so difficult for a Lodge to get a transfer from the Grand Lodge from which it received its charter that it might accept one from the Grand Lodge of its
own
State that several died in the effort.
As
late as
1845 several Lodges in Illinois were working under charters from the Grand Lodge of Missouri, and only in 1846 was the charter of Far West Lodge, No. 29, of Galena, surrendered to Grand Lodge of Missouri, and dispensations for Galena Lodge U. D., Galena, and Kavanaugh Lodge
U. D., Jo Daviess County, returned to Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, and these Lodges brought under the jurisdiction of
Grand Lodge of Illinois. With such a state of facts,
it
130
can be readily understood
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
how
131
was that "The Western Star Lodge, No. 107," of Kaskaskia, did not for many years come under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, and, as a matter of fact, as will be seen, never did become a constituent of that Grand Lodge, although it was one of the founders of that Grand body, and one of its members. Brother Shadrach Bond was its first Grand Master. From some cause or it
other, not necessary now to look up, the charter of that Lodge in Illinois was not surrendered, and the Lodge
first
Grand Lodge of Pjmnsylyania until 1827. At Grand Lodge of Illinois, December was made for a charter for Western 3, 1826, application Star Lodge, which resulted in the presentation of the folreleased by
the communication of
lowing resolution, submitted by Brother Thomas Beynolds, one of its own members, and its adoption by Grand Lodge "Resolved, That the M. W. Grand Master, when he shall :
be satisfied that the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has consented for Western Star Lodge to surrender its warrant,
and become a subordinate of the Grand Lodge of
Illinois,
warrant to be issued authorizing such brethren as shall be recommended by Western Star Lodge to be shall direct a
installed as officers
and open and hold a Lodge under the
authority of the Grand Lodge of Illinois; and that such warrant be issued gratis, except the G. Secretary's fee for
making out the same." It will be seen in these records that Brother
Thomas
was a member and and that they were the representatives in that body of "The Western Star Lodge, No. 107," from the organization of the Grand Lodge of Illinois to the end of its existence, although their Lodge made report to and paid Grand Lodge dues to Eeynolds, as well as Governor Bond, officer of the Grand Lodge of Illinois,
Grand Lodge
of Pennsylvania.
HISTOEY OF FBEEMASONRY.
132
It also appears that Masonic courtesy was carried so far in those days as to require the Lodge asking affiliation with the Grand Lodge of its own State that it show proof
Grand Lodge, and same to join the new body. How much more fraternal were those requirements than the compulsory legislation of more recent times, as enacted in many of our Grand Lodges The Western Star Lodge, No. 107, having complied with resolution of Grand Lodge of Illinois, returned its warrant to Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and received consent to become a subordinate of its own State Grand Lodge, the brethren of "The Western Star Lodge" were presented with a warrant from Brother Guy W. Smith, M. W. Grand Master, and the Lodge was duly formed and consecrated of surrender of charter to its mother
consent of
!
its own members, Brother Thomas Rejmolds, W. Deputy Grand Master of Illinois.
by one of E.
the
It speaks well for the Masonic interest evidenced by Governor Bond's presence that he was installed the Master of this Lodge, as also of that of Brother Eeynolds,
came
its
who
be-
Treasurer.
Through the kindness
we have new Lodge.
of friends before named,
been placed in possession of the records of this "The Western Star Lodge, No. ," which was born but a to die before it received number, and for the reason that
Grand Lodge which gave it life ceased itself to live, owing to the antimasonic political excitement of the times. These records are so interesting, particularly the code of the
laws, that
we
give
them
in full.
133
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
"The Western Star Lodge, No. "Minutes of the Proceedings had at the Installation of The Western Star Lodge, No. at Kaskaskia, in the , State of Illinois, on the 24th day of June, A. L. 5828, A. D. 1828. "Pursuant to a previous notice to the members to The Western Star Lodge, No. 107, by the Rt. Worshipful .
Thomas Reynolds, Deputy Grand Master
of the Rt.
Wor-
Grand Lodge
of the State of Illinois, assigning this day for the consecration of The Western Star Lodge, No. and installing of the officers under a warrant ob,
shipful
tained from the said Rt. Worshipful Grand Lodge, bearing date the 14th day of February, A. L. 5827, A. D. 1827.
'The following named members and visiting brethren assembled at the Lodge Room at 9 a. m. :
"Members "Shadrach Bond, P. M.
"Wm.
C. Greenup,
"Thos.
I.
"Jesse
W.
T. M.
V. Owens,- M. M. Cooper, "M. M.
"Saml. Walker, P. M. "Visiting Brethren "Rich'd. S. Dorsey, M. "Ed. Roberts; P. M.
M.
"Ferdinand Onger, M. M. "Hypolite Menard, M. M.
"John
Atkins,-
M. M.
"C. C. Conway, P. M.
"Tho. Reynolds,.?. M.
"Jacob Freeman, M. M. "Whereupon the Lodge was opened in due form, accord-
HISTORY OP FREEMASONRY.
134
ing to ancient custom, in the cered as follows, to-wit:
first
step in Masonry.
Offi-
"Shadrach Bond, W. M.
"Wm.
C. Greenup, S.
"Tho.
I.
W.
V. Owens, J. W.
"Sam'l Walker, Secretary. "Tho. Reynolds, Treasurer. "Jacob Freeman, S. H. "Ed Roberts, J. D. "C. C. Conway, Tyler. "No business appearing in this step, a Fellow CraftsLodge was opened in due form, and, no business in this step, a
Master Mason's Lodge was opened in due fornu
No
business appearing in this step of Masonry, after those who were not Past Masters having retired, a Past Masters*
Lodge was opened in due form.
Officered as follows, to
wit:
"William C. Greenup, W. M. pro tern. "Edmund Roberts, S. W. pro tern. "Samuel Walker, J. W. pro tern. "Shadrach Bond, Sect, pro tern.
"Thomas Reynolds,
Treas. pro tern.
"Clement C. Conway, Tyler pro tern. "Whereupon Shadrach Bond, M. M., named in the warrant aforesaid, was duly installed by the Rt. Worshipful Deputy Grand Master as Master of this Lodge, in due form, according to ancient usage. No further business appearing in the Past Masters Lodge, the Past Masters Lodge
was closed and a Master Masons Lodge was opened, when the brethren above
named who were not Past Masters were
again admitted and whereupon William C. Greenup was duly installed Senior Warden, and Thomas I. V. Owens, Junior Warden, of this Lodge in due form.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
135
"The Worshipful Master was pleased to appoint Jesse W. Cooper, Secretary, and Samuel Walker, Treasurer, and Conway, Tyler, of this Lodge, and Jacob Freeman, Senior Deacon pro tern., and Hypolite Menard, Junior Deacon pro tern., who severally took their places and
Clement
C.
stations accordingly.
"Whereupon the Lodge walked in procession from the Lodge Room to Brother Frederick Holden's and partook -of some refreshment, and at High Meridian returned again in like order to the COURT HOUSE AND LODGE, when they were joined by the following named visiting brethren "Joseph Grafton, P. M. "Richard M. Young, P. M. "Samuel Smith, P. M. "John Oaklass, M. M. "James Clark, M. M. "Geo. E. Jackson, M. M. "The Lodge was then consecrated and the officers installed by the Rt. Worshipful Grand Master in due form. An appropriate address was delivered by Brother Richard M. Young, in presence of the Lodge and a respectable au:
dience of citizens, after which the Lodge walked in procesand partook of a din-
sion to Brother Frederick Holden's
ner and other refreshments, and then returned in like order to the Lodge Room. The Lodge was then closed in
due order and harmony at 4
"JESSE W. COOPER, "Secretary."
p.
m.
W. M.
136
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
SKETCH OP FIRST STATE HOUSE OP
ILLINOIS,
AND MEETING PLACE OP WESTERN STAR LODGE,
1882,
No.
107.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829. It will be observed that
we
137
are told in these records, as
the old Lodges, that it was a custom in those of the Craft days to divide the hours of labor in the
minutes of
all
by partaking of refreshments frequently, and a dinner Such is the present custom of Lodges in occasionally. And to such must our Lodges return if they Europe.
would retain the interest of their membership. Too much work and too little recreation becomes monotonous, and to the want of the social feature in our modern Lodge is owing the loss of interest in the meetings on the of our older members. It was the custom at the dinpart ner or refreshment table to offer an occasional sentiment, such as the health of the Grand Master, "The Army and Navy," and local sentiments, or sing a song, which custom of our fathers it were well to revive, and thus reduce the hours fretted away in listening to the same voices telling the same ches nutty stories of adulation of some local member. The song was usually selected by the brother called to sing ; hence a pleasing variety of the popular ditties of the day, with here and there a sentimental or Masonic
upon
song.
"Burns' Farewell" and "Auld Lang Syne" were
appreciated, and for a local song "Illinois" was always popular. copy of this song was given the writer many
A
years ago by one
who had
often assisted in singing this four verses and chorus comprise the original song, the fifth having been added a decade later, but so long and often had the old brother sang it that he favorite.
The
had come
to believe it older
first
than the original.
To
a proper understanding of the reason for this popularity, we must call the reader's attention to the fact that the north and northwestern part of the State was
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
138
known
In 1823 attention was abundance of lead mineral near and about Fevre River, where the city of Galena is located, and the but
little
in the '20s.
called to the
tide of emigration set strongly in that direction.
Many
and Southern Illinois, also of Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee, were accustomed to going up to the Fevre River country in the fall to mine or haul mineral with their ox teams and returning home in the spring to put in their crops. In this way the beauties of the Rock River valley and the lands of Northern Illinois became generally known and taking form in song with the popular air of "Benny Havens !'* or "The Wearing of the Green," it was carried down through the state by the returning farmers from the mines. As early as 1821, we find in the records of Olive Branch Lodge, No. 5, Missouri constitutions, located "in the town of Allton" (Alton), and other lodges thereabouts, including St. Louis, Mo., the names of Captain Hezekiah H. Gear, Rev. Charles Gear, Dr. A. T. Crow, Thomas H. January, Dr. Horatio Newhall, Abner Field, Brothers Turney, Snow, Langworthy and others whom we find at Galena in 1826-7. Rev. Charles Gear being the W. M. of the farmers of Central
of the
River."
new Lodge, "Strangers Union, No. 14, at Fevre To these brethren and the thousands going and
returning from Fevre River every fall and spring during the '20s and late into the '40s, we are indebted for the
fame
of the lead mines
which they
and beauties of the lands of
so sweetly sang.
We here reproduce the original, which we have no knowledge of ever having been printed before, except in a little booklet by our publishers and with our consent.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
141
ILLINOIS. 1.
Away down on Rock River, such lands were never known, If Adam had but passed that way, the scenes he'd called his own He'd said
And
it
was a garden he played
straightway called
it
in
;
when a
boy, Eden, in the State of
k
Illinois.
CHOHUS Then move your family West
if
good health you would enjoy,
And
you'll rise to wealth and honor in the State of Illinois. Oh, for God's sake move out West, take all your girls and boys, And we'll cross at Dixon's Ferry, near Peoria, Illinois. 2.
'Twas there the Queen of Sheba came to Solomon of old, Her baskets full of peppermint, frankincense and fine gold, And she became so enamored with all the girls and boys,
That she proclaimed herself to be the Queen of Illinois.
CHORUS 3.
She's
bounded by the
Mississippi, the Ohio,
Lakes, She has crawfish in her snakes
Wabash and
swampy lands and her
the
echoes wake the
;
rivers they are crooked, her steamboats make a noise, Oh, what a pleasant place it is to live in
The
Illinois.
CHORUS 4.
The fishes in the river, her cattle and her mules Are blooded and imported stock, likewise her common schools But these are small diversions when taken with the joys Ex-pe-ri-enced by living in the State of
;
Illinois.
CHORUS 5.
A little further on Chicago you will find, A nice commercial city built up in modern
times
Her
girls they are so pretty, her boys they are so They'll take the rag right off the bush of
;
gay
Mich-i-gan-i-a.
CHORUS Then move your family West
if good health you would enjoy, and honor in the State of Illinois. Oh, for God's sake move out West, take all your girls and boys,
And
you'll rise to wealth
And
we'll cross at
Dixon's Ferry, near Peoria, Illinois.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
142
At a meeting of Western Star Lodge, No. July 5th, A. D. 1828, A. L. 5828.
1,
Saturday,
Present.
Wm. Th.
C. Greenup,
W. M.,
P. T.
V. Owen, S. W., P. T. and Tyler P. T. Sani'l Walker, J. W., P. T. I.
Jesse
W.
Cooper, Secretary.
Jacob Freeman, Treasurer, P. T. and Visitor.
"The Lodge was solemnly opened in the ample form. "On motion seconded.
first
step in
"Resolved, That the bye-laws as amended and lastly sanctioned of Western Star Lodge, No. 107, so far as the same
can be applicable and not inconsistent with the regulations of the
Grand Lodge
of Illinois, be adopted
and observed new set-
as the bye-laws of this Lodge until changed or a of bye-laws be made and approved.
"Resolved, That Thomas I. V. Owen, Thomas Eeynoldg and William C. Greenup be appointed a committee to draft a set of bye-laws for the government of this Lodge, and that they report the same in writing to this Lodge at a meeting to be held at the Lodge room on the first Saturday in August next at 6 o'clock p. m. for consideration. "Ordered, That Brother Jesse W. Cooper be allowed fourteen dollars sixty-two and a half cents for sundry articles furnished for the use of the
on
Lodge
as per account
file.
"The Lodge was then at 9 o'clock p.
closed in due order
and harmony
m. "JESSE W. COOPER, Secretary.
143
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
"At
a stated
meeting of the Western Star Lodge, No.
1,
held at Kaskaskia on Saturday, Sept. 6th A. D. 1828, A. L. 5828. "Present. "S. Bond,
"Wm.
W. M.
W. "Thomas I. V. Owen, J. W. "Jesse W. Cooper, Secretary. C. Greenup, S.
"Samuel Walker, Treasurer and J. D., P. T. "John Atkins, S. D., P. T. and Visitor. "C. C. Conway, Tyler.
"The Lodge was solemnly opened
in due order
and har-
No
business appearing in this step, a Fellow mony. No business in this step, a Crafts Lodge was opened.
Master Mason's Lodge opened. "Brothers William C. Greenup and Thomas
two of the committee appointed the government of this Lodge,
I.
V. Owen,
to draft the bye-laws for
made
the following report:
Bye-Laws "For the government of the Western Star Lodge, No. 1, held at Kaskaskia, State of Illinois, under a warrant from the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois. Adopted. "Whereas, It is essential to the beauty, harmony and strength of our ancient society that the laws and regulations for the
government of every individual Lodge be
established agreeable to the first principles, and also that those first principles be declared in the regulations, as well to
keep them in perpetual remembrance by the members of
the Lodge, as to give information to all who may be desirous to join themselves in the bond of Masonry. "Be it therefore known, That to become a brother of
our Ancient Craft, a belief in the eternal God as the great
144
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
A
architect of the universe is the first great essential. Mason is to observe the moral law, and in no case to act
against the great inward light of his own conscience. He errors of bigotry and superstition, making use of his own reason according to that liberty wherewith
must avoid the he
is made Free. "He must allow
liberty of conscience to all
ing charity and brotherly love for citizen of the State in which he
all.
He must
men, havbe a good
lives, as his obligations
thereto will be greatly inforced by his duty as a Mason. is to be a lover of quiet and be obedient to the civil powers, so far as they infringe not his limited bounds of
He
reason.
"Treason he must not be concerned in nor privy to plots against the State, but consider the welfare of his own country the peculiar care of a Mason. He must be industrious and not eat any man's bread for naught. He must endeavor to abstain from
all
fully obey those set over
him on account
malice and slander, and cheerof their superior
qualifications, however they may be inwardly ranked. "For as free and accepted Masons, prominence of virtue and knowledge he is to consider as the only standard of
true nobility. He must secrets as it be conferred
know himself capable of keeping upon him by the strongest obliga-
tions.
"He must be free born, of the age of twenty-one years, of good report, of sufficient natural endowments and the sense of a man, with an estate, office, trade or occupation, or some known way of acquiring an honest livelihood. He must be upright in his body, not deformed or dismembered, but hale and entire limbs as a man ought to be. "And for the more immediate well ordering and con-
145
ILLINOIS, 1804-1839.
ducting this Lodge, it is hereby ordained by the Master, Wardens and brethren thereof at this communication.
That the stated meetings of the Lodge be on the first Saturday of every month, and that the hours of meeting shall be from seven o'clock in the evening until ten, between the twenty-fifth day of March and the twentyfifth day of September, and from six o'clock in the even"^SECTION
1.
ing until nine, between the twenty-fifth day of September
and twenty-fifth day of March. "SEC. 2. The Master, Senior and Junior Wardens and Treasurer respectively shall be chosen by ballot on the stated Lodge night next before St. John the Evangelist's
Day.
The brethren
shall first ballot for the
Worshipful
Master, whose election shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members present, and immediately after the election of the Worshipful
Master the Senior Warden shall
be elected, and immediately after the Senior Warden the Junior Warden shall be elected, and immediately after the
Junior Warden the Treasurer shall be elected, the same proceedings to be had as in the election of the Worshipful Master.
"SEC. 3. The new elected Master shall have power, with the consent of the Lodge (to appoint), two brethren properly qualified to be Deacons, and may also in like manner appoint the Secretary and Stewards, any of whom refusing to serve shall forfeit and pay one dollar, excepting the brother so refusing to serve has acted in the like station before,
and the Master
shall then
make
a
new appoint-
ment. "SEC.
4.
The duty
the balances of
may have
of the Treasurer shall be to receive
moneys from the
late Treasurer
which he and
in his hands, together with all books, bonds
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
146
He shall keep other papers appertaining to his office. and regular account of all moneys by him received for the use of the Lodge and of all expenditures which he shall fair
be directed to make, which accounts shall be laid upon the table every stated meeting for the inspection of the breth-
He
ren present.
of every brother,
shall keep
and
an account of the Lodge dues
shall use his endeavors to collect the
same, and make report at the meeting preceding every St. John's Day of the sums due to the Lodge of each brother.
He
keep the accounts of this Lodge with the Grand shall not pay without the orders of the Lodge communicated by him by a certificate for the Secretary or shall
He
Lodge.
the Master's warrant, and in the body of which shall be expressed the use or uses for (which) the same is given.
He shall at any time when requested pay over all the moneys or other property of the Lodge to his successor in office, or to such person or persons as the Lodge may appoint.
"He
moneys and the books and Lodge chest, unless otherwise
shall always keep the
papers of his
office
specially directed
"SEC.
in the
by the Lodge.
The duty
of the Secretary shall be to keep minutes of the proceedings of the Lodge. He shall issue summons for each stated or other meetings which the Master may direct. He shall keep an exact account 5.
fair
of all the hours.
He
dinances
moneys paid
made
to the Treasurer during
the Lodges held under the warrant of the Grand Illinois, with their times and places of meeting,
do
all
Lodge
Lodge
make
a record of all laws, rules and orin the Lodge, and keep a register of all
shall
such other services appertaining to his shall direct
Lodge of and shall
office as
the
147
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
"SEC.
6.
As soon
as the Master takes his chair the
brethren shall take their respective places, and (on) proper notice shall observe a profound silence. There shall be no
whispering or private conferences between the brethren, nor shall any leave his work or move from his place, excepting such as may be required in their duty. "SEC. 7. When any motion is made or matter proposed to the
Lodge, the brother moving or proposing such matter up and address the Master with true obeisance,
shall stand
and when done he
shall sit
down, and
if
he
is
seconded
in his motion, the Master shall state the question, which shall be determined by a show of hands. But, on putting
any question, if three of the brethren desire, it shall be determined by ballot, and if the Lodge should be equally divided on any question, then the Master shall have a casting vote, except in cases of ballot when the question shall be lost, and if any question being so lost by equal ballot or determined for or against (it) shall not be put (again)
the same meeting.
"SEC. 8. Before the putting of any question, if any brother shall call for the previous question, the same shall be immediately put by the Master, or if any brother move the postponement, deferring or referring the question before the Lodge, and is seconded and thirded, the original question shall not be put until the last or con.
is
determined pro.
9. No brother shall speak more than twice to same subject without leave, unless to explain himself, and whilst speaking he shall confine himself to the busi-
"SEC.
the
ness before the Lodge. Nor shall any brother propose any new matter or question until that before the Lodge is de-
termined.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
148
"SEC. 10. No brother shall rise to speak or interrupt another addressing the Master, unless to call to order, and if any shall mock, deride or endeavor to ridicule any brother while speaking or while the Lodge is sitting, he shall, on conviction by a majority of the members, forfeit
and ask pardon For the second he and ten shall forfeit offense, dollars, and ask parpay don of the Lodge and the offended brother. For the third offense, he shall forfeit and pay fifteen dollars and ask pardon of the Lodge and offended brother, and for the fourth offense he shall be expelled, and not be readmitted without the unanimous consent of the Lodge to be given by ballot, or otherwise as the Lodge shall determine, and shall pay and pay, for the first offense, five dollars, of the Lodge and of the offended brother.
twenty dollars. "SEC. 11. The Master shall judge of
all questions of three of the brothers order, except object thereto, when the determination shall be made as in cases of other
when
questions.
"SEC. 12.
If any brother shall curse or swear, or shall
cause any angry dispute in the Lodge room, on conviction by a majority of the members present, he shall forfeit, for the
first offense, five
dollars, for the second offense, ten
and for the third
dollars,
offense, fifteen dollars,
and for
the fourth offense shall (not) be readmitted without the unanimous consent of the Lodge to be taken by ballot, or
otherwise as the
Lodge
shall
determine,
and
also
pay
dollars.
twenty "SEC.
That no brother
shall improperly harass by law any other brother of this or any other Lodge, but shall at all times, whenever a dispute exists, 13.
suit or suits at
give a fair and reasonable opportunity of settling the same in an amicable manner.
149
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
"SEC. 14. Any member who shall discover or make known anything mentioned in the Lodge which shall be ordered to be kept a secret shall forfeit and pay the sum of fifteen dollars, or be expelled from the Lodge, as a majority of the brethren adjudge, and if expelled shall not be readmitted. All observations relative to the admission
or rejection of applicants shall be considered as such secrets, and shall not be mentioned to any person not a Mason and when communicated to a Mason of any other
Lodge
it
shall be given
"SEC. 15. Tyler,
he
who
There
under the injunction of
shall
be
a
secrecy.
brother employed as a
shall receive fifty cents for every stated
and
Lodge
every Lodge of emergency. It shall be the duty of the Tyler to guard the door of the Lodge while at work, and serve all notices in writing shall attend,
fifty cents for
on any Mason given by the Secretary by order of the Masand when it shall so happen that the said Tyler does not attend, the Master (may appoint) any other brother
ter,
present to tyle the Lodge, who shall do the duty of the Tyler, under the penalty of five dollars, unless sufficient
reason be assigned, until the Tyler shall attend. "SEC. 16. All fines and forfeitures collected from any of the brethren shall be part of the funds of the Lodge and
appropriated for its use. "SEC. 17. Every member of this Lodge shall pay or cause to be paid annually into the treasury of this Lodge, on or before the stated meeting preceding St. John the Evangelist's Day, one dollar, or such other sum as may be required by the regulations of the Grand Lodge, to be sent to the Grand Lodge if required, if not required by the
Grand Lodge, then the money to be appropriated as a part of the funds of this Lodge; provided, however, that all
150
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
fractions of a year shall be at the rate of one dollar a year, or according to the rates fixed by the Grand Lodge.
Every member of
Lodge shall pay or cause to be paid into the treasury of this Lodge at the rate of two dollars a year, one of which is to be paid on or before the stated meeting preceding each St. John's Day, which shall conthis
him as a member in any member of this Lodge
stitute all the expenses chargeable to
support of this Lodge.
And
if
pay his said dues at the time aforesaid, yearly or half yearly, and does not appear in the Lodge personally, or send by some brother the said dues, on or shall neglect to
following the time when said dues should have been paid, he shall be suspended;
before the next St. John's
Day
provided, the two-thirds of the members present concur, and shall not be again admitted until his former arrearages
are paid, with the addition of two dollars. if any brother should be going abroad or
Provided, that is
willing to re-
from the Lodge, and such retiring brother shall reside nine miles or more from the Lodge, he shall, upon paying up his Lodge dues, obtain a certificate thereof, and shall be considered as exonerated from all dues except Grand tire
Lodge dues while abroad or chosing to be so retired. Should he, however, attend at any meeting, he shall pay twenty-five cents ; provided also, that the delinquent member have notice thereof from the Secretary or Treasurer, and shall refuse or neglect to make payment on or before
the third stated Lodge night after service of said notice, he shall be suspended; provided also, that any member so retiring or going abroad may with the consent of the Lodge,
on paying all dues and one dollar to the Secretary, obtain a diploma or a certificate under the seal of the Lodge, or in case of the Lodge not being provided with a seal the
161
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
private seal of the Master to be affixed, and said certificate by the Master and Wardens, and countersigned
to be signed
by the Secretary. "SEC. 18. Every visiting brother, provided he has before visited the Lodge, shall, before retiring from the
Lodge room, pay twenty-five cents to the Treasurer of the Lodge towards defraying the necessary expenses, and every member of this Lodge, who shall absent himself on regular stated meetings or special meetings when duly notified, pay twenty-five cents to the Treasurer for every meethe shall so absent himself at the next stated meeting ing after being notified by the Secretary, unless he give to the shall
Master a satisfactory reason in writing for his absence. "SEC. 19. Any person calling himself a Mason and wishing to
visit the
Lodge,
shall, before
he
is
permitted so
examined by two Master Masons, members of this and Lodge, upon their reporting that he is a true Mason, he shall be admitted, or a visitor may be admitted on two Master Masons (one being a member of this Lodge) deto do, be
claring in open Lodge that they
know him
to be a true
Mason, and also declaring his degree and the number of the Lodge of which he is a member or was last a member (which), shall be noted on the minutes of this Lodge at that time.
An ancient Mason, not initiated in this and Lodge praying to become a member thereof, shall be examined by two Master Masons of this Lodge, who shall show him the bye-laws. He shall be balloted for as in case of a candidate for initiation, and upon examining the ballots if there be one or more dissenting vote, the person so applying shall be rejected, and shall have information thereof. But when the ballot is unanimous he shall be "SEC. 20.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
152
admitted, if a Master Mason on the payment of two dollars, if a Fellow Craft on the payment of five dollars, if an
Entered Apprentice on the payment of ten dollars. "SEC. 21. Any person wishing to be initiated into the mysteries of Free Masonry in this Lodge must first be rec-
ommended by two
brothers of the degree of Master Masons. the petition Lodge, which petition must be signed the by recommending brethren, and shall set forth that he has seen and approves of the bye-laws. The Master shall
He must
appoint a committee of three Master Masons at least, members of this Lodge (from which committee the two recomshall be excluded) to enquire if the of such circumstances, character and of mapetitioner ture age, as by the fundamental principles of the Craft can be initiated into the mysteries of Freemasonry, which
mending brethren is
committee shall report the result of their enquiry in writing on the following stated meeting, and if such report is unfavorable to the petitioner, he shall not be admitted, and notice thereof shall
But
be given him by
a recommending
the report be favorable to the petitioner, he shall be balloted for and the same proceeding had as brother.
if
20th Section in case of balloting, and if unanimously approved he shall be admitted on paying dollars for the first and five dollars for each subse-
set forth in the
he
is
five
step, one dollar to the Secretary, one dollar to the for the initiation, and one dollar or such other sum Tyler as may be required by the Grand Lodge, for which the
quent
produce a receipt from the Secretary before he retire Provided, however, that no peshall be renewed unless there shall be five dollars tition initiate shall
from the Lodge.
deposited with the Secretary at the time of presenting the And in case the applicant shall not be admitted, petition.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
153
the deposit aforesaid shall be returned to him ; but in case he shall be admitted the said deposit shall be considered as forming a part of the aforesaid initiating charges.
"SEC. 22.
No moneys
shall
ever be taken from the
treasury of this Lodge unless allowed by the Lodge in stated meetings, or on the warrant of the Master and War-
dens for charitable purposes. "SEC. 23. Whenever the funds of this Lodge shall exceed one hundred dollars it may, on application to the
Lodge, be lawful to be lent out on interest to some brother of this Lodge for not more than six months, which person shall give two securities to be approved by the Master and
Wardens; provided, always, that if no member of this Lodge will take the loan on those conditions, the money may be lent to a member of any other Lodge, but if no brother Mason will accept the loan on those terms, then the money may be lent to any good and sufficient person who will give bond, with two securities to be approved by the Master and Wardens, and the bond shall be taken in the
name
of the Treasurer for the time being,
who
shall,
assign and set over the same to his successor or to such other person as the Lodge shall
on his dismission from
office,
direct.
"SEC. 24. When any motion is made for altering, amending or repealing any of the bye-laws of this Lodge, or for making any new laws, the same shall be presented to the Master in writing and if the motion is seconded, it shall be read
by the Secretary, who
shall enter
it
on the
minutes, but the question shall not be put until the next stated meeting after such motion shall be made; then it shall be necessary for two-thirds of the
agree
to the proposed alteration,
members present
amendment, repeal
to
or
154
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
Buch proposed new law, without which agreement the motion shall be rejected and the Secretary shall, at the opening of the Lodge before the question is taken, read the eaid motion. Whereupon the ballot or vote shall be taken
the questioned determined, and if in the affrmative, the amendment shall be incorporated in the bye-laws.
"SEC. 25.
Every member of
this
Lodge
shall, as
soon
as the code of laws has been approved and recorded in the Secretary's book, or abstract at the passage thereof so
soon as he shall return to the Lodge, subscribe his
member
name
to
Lodge the right to move for an amendment or repeal of the whole or any part of these laws under the foregoing regulations. the same, reserving to every
"SEC. 26.
All motions to expel a
of this
member
shall be
made
meeting and grounded on written charges, which shall be then laid before the Lodge, a copy of which at a stated
charges certified shall be delivered (if within reach of the Lodge) at least one month before the question shall be
taken by the Lodge thereon. And the party so charged shall at the same time be notified to make his defense in writing, if within the reach of the Lodge, accompanied with such proofs as he may think necessary to his defense.
Provided, however, that the testimony of any person not a of this Lodge shall be taken before a judge or
member
magistrate in presence of at least two disinterested Masons agreed upon or nominated by the parties, giving to the opposite party reasonable notice (if within the reach of the Lodge) of the time and place of taking such testimony. Provided, also, if a member to be not in the reach of this in conformity of the above rules) the proceedings shall be had against him as though he were within the jurisdiction of the Lodge. "Which was read and unanimously adopted.
Lodge (by report of the Secretary
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
155
"On the application of Brother C. C. Con way, leave is given him to demit from this Lodge upon the payment of his dues to The Old Western Star Lodge, No. 107. 'The Lodge
and harmony. "JESSE W. COOPER, Secretary."
closed in due order
We
give this code of bye-laws in full and from the original record, as, in fact, are all these minutes of "The West-
ern Star Lodge, No. 107," from the
Grand Lodge
of Illinois
and
its
taking charter under
its installation
as "West-
ern Star Lodge, No. 1," of the State of Illinois. We do so because they are so unique in their composi-
combining as they do, constitution, bye-laws, rules of order and trial procedure. They contain much of interest to the student of our Lodge doings in the long ago and tion,
a good deal more of the genuine old-fashioned Freemasonry than found in many of our modern codes. Note Section 1 of the bye-laws, and think if it would not be well did we have such a law in OUT present Lodges setting the hour of closing as well as that of the opening. It would gladden the heart of many a good wife and
mother to know that father or son would have no further excuse for late hours, saying they had been to Lodge and were detained until the "wee sma hours ayant the twal." Lodge sometimes met in the chapel by the old church, a sketch of which we give, showing the ruins of those noted buildings in our old State Capital of Kaskaskia. We follow now with the minutes of the few meetings held by this Lodge under its new charter. Freemasonry was at a low ebb in Illinois at this time, and the reading of these records reminds one of the dying embers of a once bright and cheerful fire soon to be entirely extinguished. The first record following the adoption of these bye-laws
156
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
SKETCH OP OLD CHURCH AND CHAPEL, KASKASKIA,
188?.
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
157
gives evidence of the good old Masonic custom prevailing before the date of written constitutions when "Three
Master Masons" could meet and open Lodge. At a stated meeting Western Lodge, No. 1, Kaskaskia, Oct. 4th, A. D. 1828, A. L. 5828. Present
William C. Greenup, W. M., P. T. Saml. Walker, S. W., P. T. and Treasurer. Jesse
W. Cooper,
J. W., P. T.
and Tyler, P. T. and
Secretary.
"The Lodge was opened in the third or Masters step Masonry in ample form. A petition and five dollars was received from Jacob Sternanman, an appliant, to become a member of this Lodge. The Worshipful appointed Brothers Bond, Owen and Walker a committee to report of
next stated meeting. "Ordered, That every brother member of this Lodge not now present be notified in writing by the Secretary to
appear in the Lodge at the next stated meeting. "The Lodge closed in due order and harmony at 9 o'clock.
"JESSE W. COOPER, Secretary.
"At a
stated
meeting Western Star Lodge, No. (1) 1st, A. D. 1828, A. L.
Kaskaskia, Saturday, November 5828. "Preseni>
"S. Bond,
"W.
W. M.
C. Greenup, S.
"Tho.
I.
V. Owen,
W. W.
J.
W. Cooper, Secretary. "S. Walker, Treasurer. S. D., P. T. and J. D., P. T. and Tyler, P. T. "J.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
158
"The Lodge was opened in the first step of Masonry. The committee appointed at the last stated meeting to enquire into the character of Jacob Sternanman requested further time. Agreed to, and to report at the next stated
meeting. "No further business the Lodge closed in due order and
harmony,
etc.
W. COOPER,
"J.
Secretary.
"At a stated meeting Western Star Lodge No. (1) Kaskaskia, Saturday, December 6th, A. D. 1828, A. L. 5828. "Present
"Wm.
C. Greenup,
"David Anderson,
W.
M., P. T.
J. W., P. T.
and
J. D., P. T.,
"S. Walker, S. W., P. T. and Treasurer. "J. W. COOPER, S. D., P. T. and T., P. T. "The Lodge was opened in the first step of Masonry, and
no business being before the Lodge, it adjourned Saturday, the 20th of November, at 6 o'clock p. m. "The Lodge closed in due order and harmony o'clock p. m. "J.
W. COOPER,
until
at 8
Secretary.
"Saturday, December 20th, A. D. 1828, A. L. 5828. "The Lodge met agreeable to adjournment.
"Present
"William C. Greenup, W. M., P. T. "Samuel Walker, S. W., P. T. and Treasurer and Tyler, P. T. "J. W. Cooper, J. W., P. T. and "The Lodge was opened agreeable
Secretary. to
adjournment.
The
following resolution was offered by Brother Wm. C. Greenup, which was adopted, and to be acted upon the 27th inst. to wit:
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
159
"Whereas, The Grand Lodge of Illinois has not convened in the years A. D. 1827 and 1828, A. L. 5827 and 5828. And that the Western Star Lodge No. (1), held at Kas-
from said Grand Lodge, was duly on the 24th day of June last, and no intelligence having reached the Western Star Lodge that any report of that installation has been made according to usual cuskaskia, under a warrant
installed
tom, and approved or disapproved by said Grand Lodge,
and therefore
By
"Resolved,
their adjourned
and
installation
the Western Star
Lodge No. (1), in this stated meeting, until a report of their approbation of the same shall be com-
municated to them by the Grand Lodge aforesaid, that all meetings of the same after the 27th inst. be and the same are hereby ppstp_oned. ~~ 7? TTie Lodge was closed in due order p.
and harmony at 8
m. "J.
W. COOPER,
Secretary.
meeting Western Star Lodge No. (1) SatDecember 27th, A. D. 1828, A. L. 5828. urday, *'At a stated
"Present "S. Bond,
"W.
W. M.
C. Greenup, S.
"Tho.
I.
V. Owens,
W. W.
J.
"Saml. Walker, Treasurer. "J.
W. Cooper,
Secretary.
"John Atkins, Visitor, S. D., P. T. "Jacob Freeman, Visitor, J. D., P. T.
"Amos Anderson,
Tyler. in the first degree of Masonry, and" no business in that degree, the Lodge opened in the second
"The Lodge opened
degree, and no business in that degree, the a Master Mason's Lodge.
Lodge opened
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
160
"On motion of Brother Owen, that the Treasurer call on Brothers Greenup, Conway and Owens to pay over the amount of money due in their hands to this Lodge, and that he
make
and
ing,
all
report to this Lodge at the next stated meetother unfinished business be postponed until
the next stated meeting. "No further business before the Lodge, order and harmony at 9 p. m. "J.
"At a
it
closed in due
W. COOPER,
stated meeting Western Star
Secretary.
Lodge No. (1) Sat-
urday, January 3d, A. D. 1825 (9), A. L. 5829.
"Present
"Wm.
C. Greenup,
"Tho.
I.
W.
M., P. T.
V. Owens, S. W., P. T.
"John Atkins, J. W., P. T. and Visitor. "Saml. Walker, Treasurer and S. D., P. T. "Ferdinand Onger, Tyler and J. D., P. T. and Visitor. "Jesse W. Cooper, Secretary. "The Lodge was opened in the Master Mason's degree in ample form. "On motion of Brother Walker, Ordered, That Brother Thomas Reynolds pay over to Brother J. W. Cooper, nine dollars, assumed by him to be paid on account for John
Robinson for Western Star Lodge, No. 107. "On motion of Brother Walker, that all unfinished business lay over until the next regular Lodge night. Then the Lodge closed in due order, harmony and peace, at 9 p.
m. "J.
"At a
W. COOPER,
stated meeting Western Star
Secretary.
Lodge No. (1) Sat-
urday, February 7th, A. D. 1829, A. L. 5829.
161
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
"Present
"Wm.
C. Greenup,
"Tho.
I.
V. Owens,
W. M.,
P. T.
S. W., P. T.
"John Atkins, J. W., P. T. "C. C. Conway, J. L\, P. T. and Tyler. "J. W. Cooper, Secretary. "The Lodge was opened in the Master Mason's in
degree
ample form.
"The following resolution was adopted: "Resolved, That the resolution proposed for adoption
at
an adjourned meeting of this Lodge, on the 20th of December last, be now adopted to take effect from and after this meeting.
"The Lodge was then at 7 p.
closed in due order
and harmony,
m. J.
W. COOPER,
Secretary."
CONCLUSION. The adoption Saturday, February 7, A. D. 1829, of the December 20, A. D. 1828, by Brother
resolution submitted
William C. Greenup, at the stated communication of Western Star Lodge No. (1), closed the doors of that lodge and, so far as we now have record, of all the Lodges in Illinois but one, and that one was the Strangers Union Lodge No. 14, on Fever river (Galena), which continued work until June 11, A. D. 1829, when the charter was ordered returned "to the Grand Master or
Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois," and that application be made "to the Grand Lodge of Missouri for a new one."
The
following
is
the resolution:
By Lodge No. (1), in this their adjourned stated meeting, until a report of their installation and approbation of the same shall be communi"Resolved,,
the Western Star
cated to them by the Grand Lodge aforesaid, that all meetings of the same after the 27th inst. be and the same are
hereby postponed."
The
two Lodges, the last to go down Anti-Masonic persecution of that day, and the records in which we find the last reference known of closing of these
under the
bitter
that early Grand Lodge, leaves the writer as if at the grave of Masonry and with no other duty to perform than that of
depositing in its memory the sprig of acacia, our sacred emblem of victory and immortality. But as the acacia is a symbol of our triumph over death, so is it the Freemasons'
emblem
of the spirit's immortality.
There was a period of Masonic darkness in 162
Illinois fol-
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
163
lowing the closing of Western Star and Strangers Union Lodges and the going down of the Grand Lodge, but it
was like the restful period of winter to nature. Springtime came. Freemasonry awakened and in her resplendent robes of brotherly love, charity and benevolence rekindled her altar fires and resumed work in her Lodges. To-day Freemasonry, with its history of the centuries, stands foremost in the world as the greatest of fraternities, and in with its large membership, ranks second in bers in the United States and third in the world. Illinois,
As "The Western Star Lodge No. 107,"
num-
located at Kas-
kaskia, Indiana Territory, was the Alpha of Freemasonry in this magnificent domain, it was reserved for "The
Strangers Union Lodge No. 14," located on Fever river (Galena), to become the Omega, as we find by the records of that
Lodge now in our keeping.
We
have full minutes of the work of this Lodge from April 21, A. L. 5827, to and inclusive llth June, A. L. 5829. The communications were regularly held and work
was being done, which makes the action of this Lodge the singular, and the more so when we know that a new Lodge under dispensation from Grand Lodge of Missouri was instituted in Galena as Galena Lodge U. D., July 17,
more
1830. as we are treating of that First Grand Lodge and constituent Lodges, we close our history with the last record of a communication of Strangers Union Lodge
But
its
No. 14, in which
the last
is
kntwn
reference to that early
Grand Lodge
THE GRAND LODGE
OF ILLINOIS OF ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
164
"GALENA, lira JUNE, A. L. 5829. "Strangers Union Lodge No. 14 met pursuant journment by By-Laws.
to ad-
"Worshipful Moses Meeker, Master. "Daniel Murphy, Senior Warden. "J. B. Hartnett, Junior Warden.
"Kev. Charles Gear, Treasurer.
"James Craig,
Secretary.
"T. B. Farnsworth, Senior Deacon., "Peter Prim, Junior Deacon.
"James Harris, Tyler. "Members, William Hempstead, Samuel Jamison, Benson Hunt. "Visiting, J. E. Carter, late of
Abraham Lodge No.
7,
Louisville, Kentucky. "1st. On motion, two- thirds of the members concurring, the annual election was dispensed with and the former officers continued the ensuing year.
The
further business before this Lodge is susand the Lodge opened on the 3rd degree. pended, "3. On motion and seconded, we return our charter to the Grand Master or Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois and apply to the Grand "2.
Lodge of Missouri for a new one, the further proceedings on which is postponed until Thursday, the 18th instant, at 4 p. m., when the Brethren are requested to give a general attendance. "4th. The committee on the petition of J. B. Campbell for initiation made a favorable report, which is accepted,
and the balloting dispensed with until next meet-
ing.
"Adjourned in harmony.
"JAMES CEAIG, "Secretary."
ILLINOIS, 1804-1829.
NAME AND LOCATION OF LODGES Name.
IN ILLINOIS,
165
1827.
J
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA
M6 mSTOR Y OF FREEMASONRY^
ILLINOIS 1804-
30112025304129
